A hot news story this past week has revealed an investigation of an oral surgeon in Oklahoma who was allegedly using poor infection control practices. The investigation is questioning whether the dentist was putting his patients at risk of serious infections, such as hepatitis, by failing to follow proper infection control practices.
Exactly what are proper infection control practices for the dental office?
Infection control procedures are designed to protect patients and health care workers by preventing the spread of diseases like hepatitis and HIV.
Examples of these procedures include:
- Dentists and Staff wearing masks and gloves for each patient
- Dentists and Staff using surface disinfectants on all equipment related to patient care following each patient
- Properly sterilizing reusable dental devices following each patient
In addition to these everyday practices, dental health care practices are expected to follow procedures that are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
What specifically does our office do to protect our patients from the spread of diseases?
First and foremost, our dentists and staff have undergone extensive training in infection control procedures. We understand the importance of protecting our patients and ourselves. We treat our patients just like we would our family, especially since many of our own family members are treated in our dental office too!
As you visit our office, some of our infection control procedures are very noticeable while others are more “behind-the-scenes.”
The most obvious things you will see at our office are dentists and staff members wearing masks and gloves with every patient. You will also see our assistants diligently cleaning and decontaminating the examining areas (including the dental chair, dental light, instrument tray, drawer handles, and countertops) after every patient.
You may or may not walk by our sterilization area when visiting our office. This area is specifically designated for assistants who need to take instruments to be sterilized following each patient. Our office uses a steam autoclave for any reusable dental instruments which is tested weekly to make sure the autoclave is destroying all microorganisms, including bacterial spores (the most difficult microorganism to kill).
Our office also uses very detailed procedures for cleaning and sterilizing our handpieces (which are used for fillings) after each patient. To keep our waterlines clean, we use O-SO PURE, Inc who provides bacteria free water to the entire office through a dual filtration system with ultraviolet and reverse osmosis to provide the purest water possible (http://www.osopuredental.net/index.html).
When visiting our office, you may also see red sharps containers where any needles, glass vials, or other potentially sharp objects are placed to avoid exposure of our patients and staff to blood-borne pathogens.
Because many of us are mothers with our own children who bring home a multitude of “germs,” we have become very accustomed to one of the most important aspects of infection control: WASHING OUR HANDS. Every examination station/room has its own sink for us to clean our hands prior to and following each patient encounter. This has become a ritual for us – so much so that the skin on our hands seems to be wilting away!
Long story short, for any dental patient (which if you’re breathing and have a heart beat, you should be a dental patient somewhere!), it is important to make sure your dental office is following these infection control procedures. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask the staff – so that you can feel more comfortable while sitting in the dental chair. Who needs more dental anxiety anyway?
What’s important to remember is that a story like this one from Oklahoma is on the news and is making everyone talk is because it’s so rare! Most dentists take infection control very seriously so that you can rest in the dental chair in (a little bit more) peace. After all, your family’s health and safety are our foremost priority!
For more information on infection control in the dental office, you can visit the American Dental Association’s website at www.mouthhealthy.org and search the term “infection control” to see a video on this topic. This website is also a great way to learn more about good dental health for every age!
Atkins, Maestrello, Miller & Associates Pediatric Dentistry is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com
The team at Atkins, Maestrello, Miller and Associates specializes in pediatric dentistry.
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Elizabeth Miller, DDS MS, and Richmond Mom
Oral Health Considerations of Breastfeeding
The experience of breastfeeding is very special for many new moms as they consider that time a valuable bonding experience between the mother and newborn child. Moms who are able to breastfeed also benefit for other reasons: they gain overall health benefits, oral health benefits, and cost-savings benefits. This blog will help explain the many benefits, for both mom and child, of breastfeeding.
It is important to remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics states that “exclusive breastfeeding, defined as giving an infant only breast milk – no water, no formula, or no other liquids or solid foods – is the norm against which all alternative feeding methods should be compared.” The 2012 AAP policy statement on breastfeeding and the use of human milk documents the many important reductions in health risks for infants and children, mothers, families and society that are attributable to breast-feeding. These advantages include developmental, economic, health, nutritional, immunological, psychological, social and environmental benefits.1
Why Breastfeeding is Important for Overall Health
The policy statement of the AAP Section on Breast-feeding states that breast milk is the only source of nutrition a healthy infant requires for about the first six months of life.1 Breastmilk provides specific nutritional components for the child – providing immunological, anti-inflammatory, digestive and immune system benefits during the most vulnerable time in their lives.
There are many reduced health risks for breastfed children including:
- Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infections)
- Gastroenteritis and Diarrhea
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infections –
ie. Pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis
- Leukemia
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Not only does breastfeeding benefit the child, but there are also scientifically proven reduced health risks for mothers who breastfeed including:
- Postpartum bleeding and hemorrhage – helps mothers recover from childbirth
- Breast Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
Oral Health Considerations of Breastfeeding
There are many things to consider when breastfeeding your infant to help your child maintain positive jaw growth patterns, maintain good oral hygiene, and maintain a cavity-free environment from the very start. Yes, even babies who breastfeed can get cavities!
Jaw Growth Patterns of Breastfed Children
The sucking mechanism used during bottle feeding differs from that used during breastfeeding.2-4 The different sucking mechanisms have the potential to predispose a bottle-fed infant to the development of poor jaw growth patterns. What’s the significance of your child’s jaw growth pattern? If your child’s jaw and teeth do not fit together well, your child may need orthodontic treatment in the future or if the jaw growth pattern is significantly deviated from the norm, you may be looking at jaw surgery to correct how teeth fit together (and ultimately your child’s smile!).
Breastfeeding and Early Childhood Cavities
Scientific studies have not found significant evidence that confirms an association between breastfeeding and early childhood cavities.5 We do know, however, that parents who breastfeed their child (along with those you use other feeding methods) should begin practicing healthy oral hygiene with the child even before their first tooth erupts. These healthy habits include gently cleaning your child’s gums and teeth after breastfeeding, limiting the child’s intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, and visiting a dentist starting at your child’s first birthday.
How Do I Clean my Infant’s Teeth/Gums?
Prior to the eruption of teeth, it’s easiest to gently wipe your infant’s gums with a wet washcloth or soft towel after breastfeeding (day or night). Once your child’s teeth begin to erupt, it becomes easier for the parent to either use a finger brush or baby tooth brush with soft bristles. You can either use water on the brush, or safe-to-swallow (fluoride-free) toothpaste to clean these newly erupted baby teeth. If your child begins to bite your finger with the finger brush, save your fingers and switch to the hand-held baby toothbrush! Most importantly, as your child approaches their first birthday, make sure to find a pediatric dentist in your area and schedule your child’s first dental exam. During this first visit, you can expect a very quick exam, and a lot of talking between you and your dentist regarding things to expect as your child grows, and ways to maintain optimum oral health. This is also a good time for you to ask your dentist any questions you may have regarding your child’s teeth, gums, and hygiene practices.
For all those breastfeeding mothers out there, great choice! You can chosen the best source nutrition for your child while providing both you and your child with many health benefits. As dentists, we hope you also understand the importance of starting early with good oral hygiene habits. Always remember to baby those baby teeth!
References
- Eidelman AI, Schanler RJ; American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics 2012; 129(3):e827-e841.
- Viggiano D, Fasano D, Moncaco G, Strohmenger L. Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and non-nutritive sucking; effects on occlusion in deciduous dentition. Arch Dis Child 2004;89(12):1121-1123.
- Inoue N. Sakashita R, and Kamegai T. Reduction of masseter muscle activity in bottle-fed babies. Early Hum Dev 1995;42(3):185-193.
- Gomes CF, Trezza EM, Murade EC, Padovani CR. Surface electromyography of facial muscles during natural and artificial feeding of infants. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2006;82(2):103-109.
- Salone LR, Vann WF, Dee DL. Breastfeeding, An overview of oral and general health benefits. JADA 2013;144(2):143-151.
Atkins, Maestrello, Miller and Associates are advertisers on Richmondmom.com
Most parents know this story all too well. The ‘innocent pacifier’ is used when babies are born to offer them comfort – and yes, to keep them from crying. Babies have a strong sucking need when they are born, but the dreaded pacifier often becomes too much of a crutch and a habit over time.
It almost becomes an attachment to their mouths! What do you do? Is a pacifier harmful? Should you be worried?
Our experts at Atkins, Maestrello, Miller & Associates know that pacifiers can carry cavity-causing germs to your baby’s mouth before he or she even has teeth emerging. It can even affect tooth placement down the road.
Here’s what Dr. Elizabeth Miller has to say in her blog about the use of pacifiers:
It’s a story many parents tell to their children’s dentist. My child won’t stop using the pacifier, what do I do? The story is usually followed by many questions. What effect does the pacifier have on my child’s teeth? When does my child definitely have to stop using the pacifier? Will my child need braces because they used the pacifier? The hardest question of all, (but to me the most fun and interesting) is how do I get my child to stop using the pacifier?
It seems silly to have to write a blog series on a piece of plastic that children put in their mouths for comfort, but it’s a real issue that many parents face.
As a pediatric dentist, I get these questions every single day – so many questions – that I will need to make The Legend of the Pacifier a 3-part series. Part one will discuss how children become attached to the pacifier, part two will discuss how the pacifier affects your child’s teeth, and part three (my personal favorite) will give parents suggestions on how help your child stop using the pacifier.
Don’t miss a single installment of this 3-part series because you may be surprised at what you learn. And if our readers have tips on getting kids to give up their pacifiers, please leave us a comment below or on our Facebook page. Dr. Miller may be able to use your advice in her blog to help other parents dealing with this challenge.
Kids probably won’t head off to kindergarten with a pacifier in their mouths, but the damage to their teeth could be done long before that day arrives anyway.
Atkins, Maestrello, Miller & Associates is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com
]]>Elizabeth Miller, DDS MS, and Richmond Mom
April is National Autism Month, and as the epidemic of children on the autism spectrum grows comes the need for specialized care for their families.
Autistic children and their families are frequently confronted with many challenges in creating and maintaining good dental health – including difficulty with changes in routine, restricted diets, sensitivity to certain sounds and lights, and limitations on manual dexterity leading to difficulty brushing.
The team at Atkins, Maestrello, Miller and Associates specializes in pediatric dentristy
Children with autism may also have cognitive delays which poses difficulty at the dentist office when trying to explain dental procedures to the child.
General anesthesia, while effective and safe when administered properly, is not the only solution. Some children respond well to behavior management techniques and can be adequately prepared if parents are involved in explaining what to expect before even setting foot in the waiting room.
Our office specializes in treating special needs children and adults, and we’ve put together a few tips that may make your next trip the dentist a little easier for your child and you. Click here for more information on visiting the dentist with an autistic child by the dentists at Atkins, Maestrello, Miller and Associates.
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Congratulations to the winners of our Real Cute Kids Contest, each one of these winners had the most unique votes in each category:
Kyrie H. 0-2
Schuyler W. 3-5
Addison B. 6-8
Haley G. 9-11
Within the next two weeks, the winners will receive these prizes, thanks to our generous sponsors:
Real Life Studios: $150 Real Life Studios Gift Certificate–and MANY thanks for taking all those photos!
Core Kids Academy: $100 gift certificate towards any gymnastics class
Learning Rx: Evaluation valued at $149
Dream Dinners: $50 gift certificate
Romp n’ Roll: $50 gift certificate
Toyconomy: (1st three age categories): $25 gift certificate
Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods: $25 gift certificate for Ukrop’s famous baked foods
Kindermusik: (1st two age categories): $25 gift certificate
KidsDineFree.net: A KidsDineFree.net card valued at 19.95
Gift Certificate to DiapersandDenim.com valued at $15
Richmond Rocks Children’s book signed for your child, valued at $12.95
The Science Museum of Virginia: 4-pack of tickets valued at $44
Mom’s Treehouse: $50 Gift Certificate towards any fitness program
A Sonicare toothbrush set from Atkins, Maestrello, Miller and Associates Pediatric Dentists
