A Message from your Dentist About the Coronavirus
As health officials seek to contain the coronavirus outbreak, unprecedented safety measures have been issued for our protection. We want to reassure you that Ricafort Dental is also taking extraordinary measures to protect your health and wellbeing.
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(1)—and provide additional preventive tips.
LINK BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH, ILLNESS, AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Tooth decay and gum disease create inflammation which, in turn, damages your gums’ blood vessels and allows bacteria into the bloodstream. (2) By its nature, this bacteria not only evades the immune system, it manipulates it so the harmful bacteria can continue to survive.(3) 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.(4)
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. Ricafort to address the issue:
- Sever tooth pain
- Swollen face, cheeks or gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods 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.
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.
- Colgate: “Eight Common Oral Infections”
- Johnson & Johnson “4 Fascinating Things Scientists Know About the Billions of Bacteria in Your Mouth”
- Science Daily: Smile: “Gingivitis bacteria manipulate your immune system so they can thrive in your gums”
- Harvard Health Publishing: “Coronavirus Resource Center”