How Does Handwashing and Sanitizing Beat COVID-19?

In order to combat COVID-19, you have spent the majority of your time at home and made many adjustments to your busy life. Now, as many businesses and practices are opening up again and you find yourself needing to be out and about more often, it’s important you are taking every step you can to avoid contracting the Coronavirus. Keeping your hands clean is an effective measure to take to limit your contact with the virus. Your dentist can give you instructions on how to properly disinfect your hands with soap or hand sanitizer.

Handwashing and the Coronavirus

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water has been shown to be effective in killing germs. It is important to sanitize your hands regularly because most people often touch their face, nose, and eyes.

When to wash your hands

You should frequently wash your hands throughout the day, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few situations where you should wash your hands:

• Before leaving the bathroom
• After shaking hands
• When returning from a public outing
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Before eating food
• When preparing food

How to wash your hands effectively:

1. Put both of your hands under clean, running water.

2. Apply a generous amount of soap to the inside and back of your hands, as well as your fingertips. Wash for at least 20 seconds, including underneath fingernails and jewelry.

3. To scrub, rub both hands together and move your fingertips around both hands.

4. Put both hands under the running water to gently wash away the soap.

5. Completely dry your hands using a paper towel or an air dryer.

Hand Sanitizers and the Coronavirus

While handwashing is a more effective way to clean and disinfect your hands, hand sanitizer is the next best thing. It is a great option if you are unable to wash your hands.

Things to consider when using hand sanitizer

• Be sure to choose a sanitizer that consists of 60-95% alcohol.
• Apply lotion if your hands become dry from frequent use of hand sanitizer.
• You shouldn’t use sanitizer if your hands are greasy or dirty.

How to use hand sanitizer properly:

1. Apply the hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand. To determine the amount, read the instructions on the label.

2. Rub it all over both hands.

3. Continue for about 20 seconds, or until it dries.

Keeping your hands clean is always crucial in preventing you from becoming sick. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more necessary to limit the spread. Taking precautions like washing your hands or using hand sanitizer makes a big difference to keep you and your family safe from becoming infected.

About the Practice

At Purple Plum Dentistry, Dr. Anita Kianimanesh and Dr. Nima Moradi Majd care about the oral health and overall wellness of their patients. Dr. Kianimanesh has been working in the oral healthcare field for over a decade and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and Spear Education Club. Dr. Majd is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Honor society and the Iranian Association of Endodontists. Together, they encourage healthy lifestyle choices like frequent hand washing. For more information, visit their website or call (703) 998-4244.