Handwashing Saves Lives

As dentists, assistants and hygienists at Fixari Family Dental, we wash our hand so many times during the day that we can’t even keep track of it. We do not take for granted the benefits to our patients, our families at home and our team.

As experts, many ask us which is most effective, soap or alcohol based hand sanitizers. Sanitizers are quite convenient and a quick way to reduce the number of microbes on the skin. Microbes can be good or bad organisms. Germs, on the other hand, are microbes that can cause diseases.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control), handwashing with soap and water is the best way to reduce microbes on the skin. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are to be used when soap and water is unavailable. These sanitizers must be at least 60% alcohol.

Helpful Handwashing Tips:

Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds (time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” song twice)
Rinse well and dry
Keep nails trimmed and clean – germs hide under there!
Keep cracked skin moisturized, especially if you use alcohol based rubs.

How to Throw Away your Dental Benefits

Many dental patients ask questions daily about their dental benefits, because they just don’t understand them. Most dental plans have a 12 month cycle, which means that they are given a certain dollar amount of dental work to have done at no cost to the patient. For most of us, this cycle ends December 31^st, just a few weeks away. For the few of us that understand what these benefits are – as humans, we still procrastinate to do something about it.

Since so many are now asking when they can schedule before the end of the year, we have opened up a few extra appointment times to accommodate. These won’t be around long.

Please call our business team to ask about your particular dental plan if you have one. If you don’t have one, we offer a Dental Membership Plan at Fixari Family Dental too. We want you to maximize the benefits you already have for 2015.

Diabetes and Dental Problems: What to Expect When Diagnosed

Patients who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes face several dentist at Fixari Family Dental with a patient challenges, including a greater risk for dental problems. Fortunately, with proper management, these problems can be avoided.

Here’s what to expect for your oral health after you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Impact of Diabetes on Oral Health

Having diabetes can impact your oral health, and your oral health can impact your diabetes. Therefore, it’s important to keep both in check.
Diabetics are more susceptible to dental problems due to higher blood sugar levels. When a patient’s diabetes is not well controlled, his or her saliva contains increased amounts of glucose, and this glucose-filled saliva will cling to the teeth and create plaque. Plaque can ultimately lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease.
The presence of gum disease can cause higher blood sugar levels, causing the diabetes to progress.

Managing Your Dental Health With Diabetes

After your diagnosis, going to the dentist on a regular basis becomes even more important. Just as you’ll need to monitor your blood sugar, your dentist will need to monitor your oral health closely.

See your dentist every six months for regular exams and cleanings. Make sure your dentist is aware that you are diabetic.
As your mouth is now more susceptible to decay and gum disease, be vigilant about brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
Keep your diabetes under control to the best of your ability. This is good for your overall health, but in particular, it helps keep your blood sugar in check, which decreases your risk for cavities and gum disease.

Having diabetes means it becomes even more important to take care of yourself. By taking a little extra time to maintain your oral health, you can improve the health of your entire body.