A Message From Your Dentist About the Coronavirus
Aria Dental of Annapolis • March 24, 2020
Staying Safe During an Outbreak
As health officials seek to contain the coronavirus outbreak, unprecedented safety measures have been issued for our protection. We want to reassure you that Aria Dental is also taking extraordinary measures to protect your health and well being.
Your Protection Against Exposure
As a healthcare provider, we are held to higher sanitary standards by law. We follow all OSHA requirements including fully sanitizing exam rooms between patient visits, sterilizing dental implements after patient visits and wearing protective gear such as medical gloves and masks.
To further protect you and the community, we’ve prepared this message to alert others to the connection between one’s oral health, immune system and bodily diseases—including viruses —and provide additional preventive tips.
Link Between Oral Health, Illness and the Immune System
Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria; some are friendly bacteria while others are harmful. When your oral hygiene regimen is properly done and your immune system is intact, the harmful bacteria is kept in check. However, when oral hygiene habits are poor—including insufficient brushing or flossing and too few professional cleanings—the harmful bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
This tooth decay and gum disease create inflammation which, in turn, damages your gums’ blood vessels and allows bacteria into the bloodstream. By its nature, this bacteria not only evades the immune system, it manipulates it so the harmful bacteria can continue to survive. As your immune system weakens, your susceptibility to diseases like the coronavirus and other infectious illnesses increases.
This harmful bacteria can also trigger other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, heart disease, pneumonia and, for expectant mothers, premature birth and underweight babies. And, as health officials continue to warn us, the coronavirus is more likely to be contracted by those with underlying medical conditions.
Why We Won't Close Our Doors
Despite our own risk of exposure, we refuse to close our doors amid this healthcare crisis. As a frontline healthcare provider, we firmly believe it’s our responsibility to detect and eliminate those oral issues which threaten your immune system and your ability to ward off infectious diseases including the coronavirus and the flu. It’s our mission to do all we can to preserve and protect your help, in good times and bad.
Warning Signs of Oral Decay and Infection
If you are experiencing any of the following signs of bacterial decay or infection, we strongly recommend you come see Dr. Daniel to address the issue:
• Severe tooth pain
• Swollen face, cheeks or gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
• Sensitivity when biting down
For patients who already have a compromised immune system, eradicating oral decay and infection is even more imperative.
Of course, if you have any signs of illness, stay isolated and seek medical attention as warranted by coronavirus health guidelines.
Preventive Oral Hygiene Tips
Here are some oral hygiene tips to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus and other illness in your household:
• Use Your Own Toothbrush:
The coronavirus is spread through touching a surface or object which contains the virus and then touching your nose or mouth (and possibly the eyes).4 Never share a toothbrush with anyone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus or is ill. As a side note, rinsing the toothbrush will not decontaminate it. To be safe, never share a toothbrush for any reason, even with loved ones.
• Don’t store toothbrushes in closed containers:
Bacterial growth can occur on toothbrushes when they are covered or stored in closed containers.6
• Don’t share toothpaste:
Sharing toothpaste tubes can spread germs. If a member of your household has been exposed to the coronavirus or other communicable disease or is presently ill, give them their own toothpaste tube to use.
• Eat Right:
The right nutrition supports all your body’s vital functions including the immune system. Guidelines include eating fruits, whole grains, a variety of vegetables and proteins—such as seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds—and more. Dietary guidelines can be found on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services site at www.HHS.gov.
• Take Vitamin C:
A recent medical study indicates vitamin C helps prevent the common cold and reduces its duration. Moreover, inadequate C increases one’s risk of contracting the flu and makes flu symptoms more severe. As studies continue in vitamin C’s direct effect on the coronavirus, taking this supplement should help support your immune system.
Stay Calm
Despite the alarming headlines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the risk of Americans being exposed to the coronavirus is low and that most cases are mild. On our last check, the CDC was reporting 3,487 cases of coronavirus in the U.S. amid a population of 329 million. That means just a fraction of one percent of all Americans have the virus right now and it’s likely symptoms are mild. Compare that to CDC estimates of at least 36 million U.S. cases of the flu over the 2019 – 2020 flu season (March 1, 2019 to March 7, 2020) with a minimum of 370,000 million flu hospitalizations.
In the meantime, continue to follow CDC guidelines and if you are experiencing signs of oral decay or infection, do not ignore them. Come see us to get it rapidly addressed and eradicated as a health risk.
Best regards,
Staff at Aria Dental of Annapolis
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Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem that affects everyone at some point. Whether it's a morning issue or pops up after a meal, finding quick solutions is something we all want. Knowing what causes bad breath is the first step in tackling it effectively. Bad breath can be due to a variety of reasons, such as food choices or skipping some parts of your oral care routine. Understanding these causes helps you choose the right fixes to freshen your breath quickly. Many solutions are simple and can be done at home, making them convenient when you need a fast refresh. In this article, you'll learn about quick remedies, from everyday items to some slight tweaks in your diet. You’ll also discover how maintaining good oral hygiene can help you keep bad breath away for good. Tackling bad breath doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Simple changes can make a noticeable difference, leaving you with a fresher, more confident smile. Identifying the Causes of Bad Breath Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can stem from multiple roots. Some of the most common causes include certain foods, bacteria buildup, and dry mouth. Foods like garlic and onions are famous for causing bad breath. They contain oils that are absorbed into your bloodstream, eventually affecting the air you exhale. Another major contributor to bad breath is bacteria buildup in your mouth. When food particles remain in your mouth, bacteria feast on them and produce sulfur compounds, which cause that unpleasant odor. This is why brushing your teeth and tongue is critical in reducing bad breath. Dry mouth, a condition where saliva production decreases, also plays a role. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth by removing particles that cause odor. Without enough saliva, dead cells build up on your tongue, gums, and cheeks, leading to bad breath. Knowing these causes helps you address the root problem rather than just masking symptoms. Identifying the specific cause armors you with the knowledge to tackle bad breath effectively and for the long haul. Home Remedies for Fresh Breath There are several quick and effective home remedies you can use to freshen your breath. These simple solutions often involve items you already have at home, making them easy to integrate into your routine. 1. Brush and Floss Regularly: Good oral hygiene removes food particles and bacteria from your mouth, which directly contribute to bad breath. Brush twice a day and floss at least once to keep your mouth clean. 2. Use a Mouthwash: Rinsing with mouthwash can reach areas that your toothbrush might miss. Opt for an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate germs that cause odors. 3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum increases saliva flow, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Choose sugar-free gum to avoid feeding any lingering bacteria. 4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water keeps your mouth moist and helps wash away particles that lead to bad breath. A hydrated mouth encourages the production of saliva, which naturally combats odor. 5. Eat Parsley or Mint Leaves: These herbs contain chlorophyll, which neutralizes odors. Chewing on fresh leaves can give you a quick breath boost when needed. These remedies are not just quick fixes; they help maintain a clean and fresh oral environment. Incorporating them into your daily routine puts you on the path to better breath and overall oral health. Dietary Changes to Combat Bad Breath Your diet can greatly influence the freshness of your breath. Certain foods can contribute to bad breath, while others can help in keeping it at bay. Understanding how what you eat affects your breath empowers you to make smarter dietary choices. Foods like garlic and onions are some of the top culprits causing bad breath. They contain strong oils that enter the bloodstream and are expelled through the lungs, leading to a lingering odor. Spicy foods, sugary snacks, and beverages can also contribute to halitosis by creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. To combat bad breath, focus on including these foods: - Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery can help by gently washing away food particles and bacteria. - Yogurt: Contains probiotics that help balance the bad bacteria in your mouth. - Herbs: Chewing on mint, parsley, or basil leaves can neutralize odors naturally. - Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties that improve breath quality. Avoid sticky or sugary foods that cling to teeth and feed bacteria. Emphasizing fresh, whole foods helps dilute acids and flush out particles that contribute to bad breath. Maintaining Oral Hygiene for Long-Term Results Good oral hygiene practices are essential for managing and preventing bad breath over the long term. Consistent daily habits play a key role in keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Establishing and maintaining these habits can be straightforward when done regularly. 1. Brush After Meals: Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles, including from your teeth and tongue. Brushing twice a day is crucial. 2. Floss Daily: Flossing removes debris and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, preventing buildup that contributes to bad breath. 3. Use a Tongue Scraper: Bacteria and food particles can accumulate on the tongue, producing a foul odor. Scraping your tongue helps remove these effectively. 4. Rinse with Mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash can target leftover bacteria and help maintain a fresh mouth. 5. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Scheduled cleanings and exams help catch any issues early on, ensuring your oral health stays in top shape. Conclusion By investing time in oral hygiene and regular dental visits, you lay the groundwork for a healthier mouth and fresh breath. If you're ready to prioritize your oral health, Aria Dental of Annapolis is here to support you. Our Annapolis dentist will help ensure your smile remains bright and fresh, offering solutions tailored to your needs. Schedule your appointment today!
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Arial Dental of Annapolis
The Office of Dr. Nicholas E. Daniel
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