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Protecting our patients against infection |
Posted on 6/2/2025 by Todd Jorgenson |
 As a Periodontist, my primary concern is maintaining the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. This includes protecting you from infection, which can have serious consequences for your oral and overall health.
The importance of infection prevention
Infection in the mouth can lead to several problems, including:
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Gum disease: This is a common infection that affects the gums and bones surrounding your teeth. If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss. |
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Periodontal abscesses: These are painful, pus-filled pockets that form in the gums. They can be caused by bacteria or other irritants. |
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Endocarditis: This is a serious infection of the heart valves that can be caused by bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream. |
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Respiratory infections: Pneumonia and bronchitis can be caused by bacteria from the mouth entering the lungs. |
How we protect our patients
We take several steps to protect our patients from infection:
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Sterilization of instruments: All of our instruments are sterilized before each use to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. |
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Use of disposable items: We use disposable items whenever possible, such as needles, gloves, and masks. |
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Hand hygiene: Our staff washes their hands frequently and uses hand sanitizer. |
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Patient education: We educate our patients about the importance of good oral hygiene and how to prevent infection. |
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Following infection control guidelines: We follow the infection control guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). |
What you can do to protect yourself
You can also take steps to protect yourself from infection:
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Brush and floss your teeth regularly: This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. |
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See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings: This will allow your dentist to identify and treat any problems early. |
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Tell your dentist if you have any health conditions: Some health conditions can make you more susceptible to infection. |
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Follow your dentist's instructions: This includes taking any medications as prescribed and following any other instructions they give you. |
By working together, we can help keep your mouth healthy and free from infection.
Additional Resources
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/index.html |
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): https://www.osha.gov/infectioncontrol/ |
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American Dental Association (ADA): https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/infection-control |
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American Academy of Periodontology (AAP): https://www.perio.org/ |
I hope this information has been helpful. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. |
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