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A Message From Your Dentist About the Coronavirus

Aria Dental of Annapolis • Mar 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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Maintaining good oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy and radiant smile. While regular dental checkups are invaluable in addressing potential dental issues, proper daily oral care is crucial to prevent dental problems from arising in the first place. At Aria Dental of Annapolis, we are passionate about helping our patients in Annapolis, MD, achieve optimal oral health through education and personalized care. In this article, we will share five essential oral hygiene tips from our experienced dental professionals that, when practiced consistently, can put you on the path toward excellent dental health. Good oral hygiene habits not only keep your teeth and gums healthy but also contribute to your overall well-being and self-confidence. A solid oral hygiene routine can prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath and encourage a bright, beautiful smile. By implementing these essential oral hygiene tips into your daily routine and partnering with Aria Dental of Annapolis for your dental care needs, you are taking a significant step toward a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Consistent and Proper Brushing Brushing your teeth is a fundamental aspect of good oral hygiene, but it's essential to do it correctly and consistently to reap the full benefits. Here are some brushing tips to help you maintain a healthy smile: 1. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your teeth or gums, and replace it every 3 to 4 months or when the bristles become frayed. 2. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent decay. 3. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day to ensure you thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth. 4. Use gentle, circular motions when brushing to prevent gum irritation. 5. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and combat bad breath. Flossing for Optimal Dental Health Flossing daily is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as it helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. Follow these flossing tips for the best results: 1. Use about 18 inches of dental floss to give yourself enough clean floss as you work between each tooth. 2. Gently guide the floss between your teeth, using a clean section of floss for each tooth. 3. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, being sure to reach slightly below the gumline. 4. Use gentle, back-and-forth motions to remove plaque and debris effectively. The Role of Mouthwash Mouthwash can be a valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine, providing fresh breath and extra protection against oral health issues. Here's what you need to know about incorporating mouthwash into your dental care: 1. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride for additional cavity protection, and consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to target harmful bacteria. 2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label for proper usage and dosage. 3. Swish the mouthwash throughout your mouth for at least 30 seconds, making sure to reach all areas. 4. Do not rinse your mouth with water immediately after using mouthwash, as this can dilute the product and decrease its effectiveness. Nutrition for Healthy Teeth and Gums A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for healthy teeth and gums, as it helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. The following guidelines can help you make smart food choices for your oral health: 1. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and gums. 2. Consume calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milk, to strengthen tooth enamel and support bone health. 3. Limit sugary foods and beverages, as these can promote tooth decay and erode tooth enamel. 4. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food particles and bacteria that can contribute to oral health problems. The Importance of Dental Checkups Regular dental checkups are crucial to ensuring your oral hygiene practices are working effectively and addressing any potential problems before they escalate. Here's why routine visits to your dentist are essential: 1. Professional Cleanings: At each checkup, your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease. 2. Comprehensive Exams: Aria Dental of Annapolis will conduct a comprehensive oral examination to ensure all aspects of your dental health are in excellent condition. This includes checking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other potential issues. 3. Early Intervention: By attending regular dental checkups, any developing oral health concerns can be identified and addressed early, preventing more severe problems in the future. 4. Personalized Recommendations: During your dental exam, our team at Aria Dental of Annapolis can provide personalized advice and guidance on improving and maintaining your oral health based on your specific needs and concerns. Conclusion Achieving and maintaining optimal oral hygiene requires a combination of consistent daily practices and regular visits to your dental care provider. By following these five essential oral hygiene tips and partnering with Aria Dental of Annapolis, you can work towards a bright, healthy, and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Don't wait to start your journey towards excellent oral health – schedule a general dental checkup with Aria Dental of Annapolis today and experience the compassionate, personalized dental care that you deserve.
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