Hand Washing: Good, Better, Best

In the Infection Control class we just took, health care workers were divided into groups and a special light illuminated their hands to reveal dirt and bacteria.

Then each group was instructed to wash their hands in a different manner:

1. Rinse them off and dry them 
2. Wash with soap and water and use a blower to dry them
3. Wash with soap and water and use paper towels to dry
4. Clean them with an antibacterial hand gel

The hands were illuminated again.  Which group got the cleanest?

• #1, just rinsing, was the worst
• #4, the antibacterial gel, was not much better, because it did not remove the dirt, just cleaned the surface of what was there
• #2, soap and water with a blow dryer, was reasonable effective
• #3, soap and water and paper towel dry, was the most effective, because after the detergent action of the soap there was the additional benefit of the friction of the paper towels

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomat, American Board of Prosthodontics
5060 California Ave., #170
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 325-1275
www.drtupac.com

Why Gum Disease has Warning Signs

What's the number one bacteria source on your body?

Your mouth is full of bacteria--more than any other part of the body--because the digestive process starts there.  Brushing and flossing lowers the bacterial count, but harmful bacteria can still cause gum inflammation. Gum disease starts with surface inflammation, then spreads deeper, until it can even destroy the bone around your teeth.

What are the signs of gum disease?

• red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
• bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• gums that are receding, making the teeth look longer
• loose or separating teeth
• pus around the gumline
• sores in your mouth
• persistent bad breath
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Left untreated, gum disease leads to tooth loss.  If you have any of the problems listed above, and they persist, then it's time for a dental checkup!

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., 
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309