A lot of people don’t even bother with routine dental checkups or cleanings. Oral health is vital because you literally need your teeth to consume food. Ask your practitioner for that high-grade 3M 5000 toothpaste. It is significantly more potent than the stuff on store shelves; most dentists are happy to provide it, and it’s much more effective at stopping cavities than standard brands.
Furthermore, pay attention to your hand hygiene. Wash up every time you’re about to touch your face, before eating, or after using the restroom. Don’t worry about finding antibacterial versions; plain soap is perfectly fine because it functions the same way. It is the primary method for avoiding nearly every communicable disease, and it only takes 20 seconds and some water.
Want to know something disgusting? A huge portion of men do not wash their hands. I see guys leave the bathroom without even glancing at the sinks more often than I see them do a quick rinse without soap. They walk right past me while I’m scrubbing and head out the door. These are the people touching public surfaces.
Wash your hands, because plenty of others aren’t doing it. Also, keep your teeth clean. A damaged tooth causes a unique kind of misery, and while it is almost always fixable, it is also completely avoidable.
And for heaven’s sake, WASH YOUR HANDS.
Side note: wear a mask as well. Most people are already aware of this, so I didn’t lead with it. Also, keep in mind that prescription toothpaste requires a professional’s sign-off before you can get it. With the current paranoia regarding fluoride being removed from tap water, it’s worth asking about. Your dentist will likely be happy to help, as most of them are big fans of it. Additionally, since bacteria thrive in your mouth, feel free to use mouthwash. And don’t skip flossing; there is a legitimate reason your dentist nags you about it.
If a zombie-style virus ever broke out due to poor hand hygiene, I’d bet 80% of the country would catch it immediately. Don’t let yourself be part of that group.