How Proper Handwashing and Sanitizing Will Help You Combat COVID-19

For the past several months, everyone from the President of the United States to medical experts to family and friends has talked about the importance of proper handwashing and sanitizing techniques. Because this virus is easily spread by touching, coughing, sneezing, and even talking, soap, hand sanitizer, tissues, and other sanitary/hygiene products have been flying off the shelves at local grocery stores. Considered a crucial step in the fight against COVID-19, a dentist in North Sarasota explains why washing your hands and sanitizing is the best way to keep you and your family safe during this time.

What is the Correct Technique for Handwashing?

If you want to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19, one of the most effective ways to do it is by washing your hands. This doesn’t mean a quick rinse under the faucet. Instead, you should do the following:

• Place both hands under warm running water.
• Apply plenty of soap and begin to work it into the palms and onto the backsides of your hands. You will also want to get underneath your fingernails. Wash them for at least 20 seconds.
• Make sure to rub your hands together while washing.
• Rinse your hands under warm running water to remove the soap.
• Use a paper towel to dry your hands or an air dryer if you are in a public restroom.

You will also find that proper handwashing is one of the many dental safety protocols in North Sarasota that your dentist is practicing when treating patients. Because instruments and equipment are handled day-in and day-out by dentists and their team members, this commitment to hand hygiene is what will help to keep both patients and staff healthy and safe.

How Can Hand Sanitizer Be Effective?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available; however, you should make sure that you’re using one that contains at least 60% alcohol. While water and soap are the most effective ways to eliminate germs, this effective solution can minimize your risk of contracting COVID-19 when you have no other option.

When applying, you’ll need to make sure that you:

• Apply it to the palm of your hand
• Rub it over both hands until it dries

Should you need to make a trip to the grocery store, use it to wipe down the handle of the cart. You can also use it after pumping fuel into your car, handling money, or touching door handles.

Remember, just because you’re at home doesn’t make you immune to germs. Whether cooking at home for your family, playing outside with your dog, unloading groceries from your car, or taking out the trash, make sure you are keeping your hands clean at all times.

About the Author
Dr. Warren Hoffman is a dentist in North Sarasota who attended dental school in Baltimore, Maryland and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He then went on to complete an externship during his senior year, providing dental services to stationed members of the United States Coast Guard in Honolulu, Hawaii. He and his team at Parkway Ridge Dental are taking added precautions to protect staff and patients, and they are strongly urging individuals to practice proper hand hygiene and social distancing to keep everyone safe. To find out what you can do before your visit as well as what your dental team is doing to maintain a healthy environment, contact us at (941) 358-8830.