COVID-19 Precautions
Hello Perio pocket family. There has been a lot of talk among dental professionals about the coronavirus or COVID-19 and what we as a professional community can do to limit the rapid spread of this disease. Today the ADA released a statement, see below for an excerpt:
“The ADA is deeply concerned for the health and well-being of the public and the dental team. In order for dentistry to do its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the ADA recommends dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks.” 1
So as a Periodontist and Implant Surgeon… I will be ONLY on call for emergencies, as well as seeing any patients who are in urgent need of treatment. However, any periodontal plastic procedures have been postponed, as well as routine dental cleanings.
As you know, I deal with systemic lupus (https://theperiopocket.squarespace.com/config/pages/5db7b7fa63eb7f1a39405216 ),
SLE is an autoimmune disease that leaves my system hyperactive to any invaders.. and also causes my immune system to attack my own cells. My body simply does not know how to differentiate between the healthy home team, and the unhealthy daily pathogens I encounter. Because of Lupus, I try to lead a healthy lifestyle with as little stress and inflammation as possible. I have adapted some of those lifestyle tips, and combined it with a little bit of what we know about COVID-19.
Here is a list of things of FIVE things that we can do to help stay safe during this pandemic.
Happy Scaling!
1) Take this pandemic seriously, but do not panic.
We need to take this seriously enough that we are aware of the potential threat, but not overreact to the point of putting ourselves and our communities in more danger. More on this on #2 & 3. Limit unnecessary travel, unnecessary physical contact with other people, and use logic when listening to “hearsay” information.
Social distancing may seem pointless if you are young and healthy, but apart from keeping our elderly and immunocompromised loved ones safe, “flattening the curve” is vital during this time. Slowing the rate of infection now will allow our healthcare system to shoulder the load of severe respiratory illness this virus causes, keeping the mortality rate low. This link goes into further detail:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator
2) Stay positive.
Be kind and remain helpful while practicing social distancing. Stress can increase cortisol levels, which in turn can leave your system more susceptible to infections. Take advantage of this time by reading a book, journaling, practicing meditation, or take up that hobby you’ve been putting off.
3) Have enough food and water for 2 weeks.
Supermarkets are quickly being depleted of food (and toilet paper). Take what you need, and please only that.
Remember that with schools closed, some poverty-stricken families’ children are having to stay home for 3 weeks or longer. This means no daycare, no school lunches, and limited resources. I hope that you also don’t forget that some communities and community centers depend on the food stocked in grocery store shelves for their livelihood. There are also seniors that have difficulty getting transportation to the supermarket.
Please just take what you need, and don’t be selfish by taking all the toilet paper!
4) Drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and work out at home.
Water will help stay hydrated and keep your immune system strong (the EPA recommends to drink tap water as usual). Avoid eating processed foods high in sugar, which can weaken your immune system. Use whatever equipment at home such as a jump rope, yoga app, or simply youtube at home stretches or work outs. It’s important to stay fit while staying in.
5) Practice good hygiene.
Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes. Avoid touching people outside your family as much as possible (handshakes, etc). When handed items, at the grocery store for example, do not touch your phone until you have been able to sanitize your hands.
Wash your hands up to your elbows for up to 3 minutes. Use soap when possible, and hand sanitizer when in a pinch. Remember you want to create friction with the soap to break up any dirt and pathogens.
Same with showers.. use the loofa, body scrub and whatever else you have to assure that you are getting rid of any excess dirt and oil.
Brush and floss your teeth. Really… gum disease is not only due to bacteria, but we have found some fungi and viruses implicit as well. Some of these pathogens can travel into our lungs, cause inflammation in other organs, and leave us susceptible to other diseases as well.
Last, CLEAN your apartment/home. This is the perfect time to clean and sanitize whatever you have at home. Sometimes clutter in the home can also cause some unwanted anxiety. Clearing up unwanted clutter, can also burn some extra calories.
Please let me know if you’ve found these tips helpful, and if you have any of your own.
How can you help ?
Some states are allowing students to pick up meals, that is not true for all students. If you are interested in how you can help, please visit Jardin De Los Niños LC and you can make a direct donation. All proceeds go DIRECTLY to homeless children in need.
https://give.jardinlc.org/fundraiser/2715104
1. https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2020-archive/march/ada-recommending-dentists-postpone-elective-procedures