10 Ways to Protect Yourself (and Your Smile) Against COVID-19

Making your immune system strong can help prevent COVID-19 from breaking the breakdown of one immune system.

Of course, the first line of defense is to avoid contracting the virus. It would be best if you took precautions to avoid large gatherings, cover and protect your mouth and nose, hand wash frequently, and avoid touching your hands to your face and mouth. The COVID-19 novel coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets that can transfer from the host and be inhaled through the nose or mouth. Here are a few points that can help the secondary line of defense to boost our immune systems during these turbulent times: 1- Vitamin C, plus elevated zinc levels in your system They both boost your immune system; vitamin C is water soluble, so whatever the body needs will absorb. If you did take too much, no worries, the body dissipates the excess! For those opposed to taking vitamins, eat foods rich in vitamin C like broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green, or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes. A higher level of zinc in your system is advisable. 20 to 25 mg per day is a good regimen. 2- Rinse with Betadine solution twice daily, dilute (Povidone-Iodine) 50 % with water, or possibly dilute with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Gargle with warm to hot water. Swishing your mouth with an antiseptic such as vinegar or salt is also good. If you have had cosmetic dentistry done with veneers, composite Bonding, smile-makeover, or dental reconstruction, Povidone-iodine can stain your dental restorations; you need to brush the teeth right after. This swishing helps individuals at high risk (elderly, elderly with the compromised immune system, obese, diabetic, etc…) to kill the virus. Do not use it if allergic to iodine, Betadine, or any other solutions mentioned. 3- 1% Hydrogen peroxide, rinse twice a day. According to American Dental Association, it is highly advisable for dentists who see patients due to emergency treatment needed ( during the COVID-19 pandemic) to have patients rinse with warm to hot 1% hydrogen peroxide before having the dentist start any treatment. I recommend patients with full-mouth porcelain veneers, composite Bonding, and smile makeovers prioritize using this solution over Betadine or Povidone-Iodine. 4- Be aware. Hand wash with warm to hot water and soap for at least 20 to 30 seconds, and use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol if soap is unavailable. It is a good practice to get into the habit of reminding yourself every 20 minutes, no matter what, to wash your hands and try to avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth. 5- Nasal irrigation is important since one of the virus’ pathways to the body is through the nasal airway. 6- Eat foods high in antioxidants, such as artichokes, raspberries, kale, blueberries, and strawberries, as well as leafy green vegetables 7- Vitamin D is needed to boost the immune system and, if possible, get some sun. Foods that provide vitamin D include fish like salmon or tuna, cheese, egg yolks, and soy milk. 8- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially metallic surfaces, like doorknobs and your phone, with diluted Bleach, Clorox with hydrogen peroxide, which kills germs and viruses, or with an EPA-registered disinfectant. It has been reported that the virus can be viable on these surfaces for a few days up to 9 days. This virus can easily attach to your hair and clothing and can be viable for a few days. Wash your clothing in hot water temperatures. Know that the virus can survive on your clothing for a few days up to 9 days, Separate the suspiciously worn clothes, and change often. Upon arrival at your house, take a hot shower or bath.

9- Get adequate sleep and exercise regularly. DO NOT Smoke. 10- Follow deep relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, holding, and releasing. Use your time wisely, and focus on things you can control. Shift your focus from doubt and fear to what you can do to help yourself and others. There is no need to feel panicked or follow false information. Stay updated with the current situation by following your county’s guidelines and the CDC. I am confident that this wave of doubt, worry, and fear will end soon. I look forward to making your teeth and your smile extraordinary.