Kıdır says catching infections is the last thing people want, considering the current situation with COVID-19. Keeping them short is important, but if you go too deep you may expose too much of the nailbed, leaving it vulnerable to infections. You should show the same care and attention you show to your hands to your nails as well. The nails should also be dried after the hands are dried, she says. However, Kıdır points out that just because you have short nails does not mean bacteria and other organisms won't be able to embed themselves under them, stressing that people should be paying extra attention to cleaning underneath and around their nails while washing their hands. (Shutterstock Photo)Īs fun as it is to have fun long nails when matters come to infections and pandemics, dermatologists recommend keeping your nails as short and tidy as possible. When washing your hands, make sure you get the underside of your nails too.
To counter the harshness of this updated hygiene routine but still stay safe from the coronavirus, try to wash your hands with plain unscented soap and water instead of disinfectants and sanitizers. Whether it is from alcohol-based hand sanitizers or washing them with handwash, our nails have been subjected to a lot of cleaning agents, which might have caused them to become more dry and brittle, making them easier to break, split or peel. So when caring for your nails, especially during a pandemic, here are nine rules you should be following: Having long and artificial nails could also allow the spread of the virus. However, just washing may not be enough as there are many nooks and crannies germs can hide in on the nails.ĭermatology specialist Mehtap Kıdır says that it is just as important to keep nails short and trim them frequently as it is to clean them properly.
Up until now, doctors have recommended washing hands thoroughly making sure to get the underside of the nails as well, and if possible using a nailbrush each time you wash your hands. Our nails have, in particular, been suffering, leaving them dry, peeling and growing slowly.Ĭonsidering that fingernails can harbor a lot of dirt and debris and coronavirus' first route of transmission is via contact, keeping our hands, and by extension our nails, clean is crucial.
Chewing on plastic and fingernails skin#
That's the key to keeping COVID-19 away.īut all the water, soap and alcohol solutions have taken a toll on our skin health, especially our hands. Call us anytime if you have questions about your dental health.We all know the drill by now: Keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters (4.92 feet), wear a face mask and wash your hands or douse them in disinfectant for at least 30 seconds. If you grind your teeth during the day or night, then it is important that you talk to your dentist about treatments to relax the jaw.Īt Dental Group of Bloomingdale, we are working hard to educate our patients about good dental habits. Chewing on toothpicks, pencils, or fingernails can damage teeth over time. Be gentle with the brushing movements and make sure that you reach all surface areas of the teeth.īe careful if you have nervous habits that affect the teeth. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush because firm bristles can cause damage to the gums. For example, the quality of your toothbrush will have an impact on your oral health. It is essential that you are using the right dental equipment for your teeth. These liquids stain the surface of the teeth, causing your smile to look yellow. If you choose to eat refined sugar, it is best to enjoy the food and then brush your teeth when you are done eating.Ĭoffee and other dark-colored drinks can also affect the color of your teeth. Don’t suck on candy or fruit pits throughout the day. When sugar comes in contact with the surface of the teeth, it causes the formation of bacteria that leads to tooth decay. Keep in mind that your teeth are designed for eating, and they shouldn’t be used as tools for other activities.Īlso, consider the way sugary foods impact the health of your teeth. It is also bad to crunch on hard items, such as hard candy or ice. Never use your teeth to tear open plastic bags or hold a bobby pin in your mouth. Bad eating habits can lead to tooth discoloration, cracks, weakened tooth structure, and more. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind: Eating and Drinking HabitsĮverything that you put in your mouth can either help or hurt the quality of your teeth. Your dentist can help you understand more about the common habits that might be hurting your teeth. But, you have the option to change your dental habits at any time if you want to protect your smile. Without proper care, tooth decay and gum disease are inevitable.
How much do your daily choices impact the health of your teeth and gums? Many people don’t realize that small actions each day are leading to long-term dental issues. The Worst Dental Habits that are Damaging Your Teeth