Routine dental appointments and flu? - Page 2

dex · ‎03-09-2010

My dentist office take sick patients.I once called to cancel for flu symptoms and they told me to come anyway because they wear a mask.I would not go for my teeth cleaning apt. this month as I have periodontal cleaning that usually leaves me feeling mildly sick a few days later. I can wait until march for that.

Fiero Woman · ‎10-02-2017

My doctor's nurse told me she puts a bit neosporin around each nostril as it possibly could catch germs. Why not.

SaRina · ‎04-17-2015

wrote:
The possibility of picking up a 'bug' is out there for anywhere, but I believe the odds are higher at certain types of Dr.'s offices.

The dentist and other specialists that aren't taking in 'sick' patients are much less likely to be full of flu germs or people with them, than the primary care offices will be.

We have dental appointments in Feb and March and I'm not, at this point, too worried about those.

I know I have gotten sick just before a dental appt. and I cancelled so as not to make either their staff sick or anyone else that would come in. I hope others will be smart enough to do the same.

This is a significant concern. There are enough people who will not cancel a dental appointment, particularly if they are "mildly sick." The dental chair is one of the worst places to get sick as any germs lurking around will be introduced directly into your mouth. Can't get much more dangerous than that.

Once my hygienist was very sick and came into work (just like so many other workers who don't want to miss a day's pay, so come in sick to infect everyone around them). She assured me I'd be safe because she was wearing a mask and gloves while working on me. I opted to leave. Her germs were probably all over the entire exam room and office.

VaBelle35 · ‎03-10-2010

My January dental cleaning was moved to March 28 because they were having a meeting. I was fine with that as they have a huge practice, a huge waiting room with tons of people and teens. Many times the teens have to come in to have their teeth cleaned on an emergency basis due to getting braces the next day. Who knows how many are sick.

===================================
QVC Shopper - 1993

# IAMTEAMWEN

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

@Fiero Woman,

The neosporin trick was told to my brother last week by his kidney specialist. The doctor said he and his office staff swear by this little trick to keep them healthy during cold and flu season. Rim the nostril only, no neosporin on the inner nasal tissues.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

Neosporin is antibacterial, which means it kills bacteria. Influenza is a virus. Antibacterial medications will not be effective against any virus.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

wrote:
My biggest concern at the dentist is the hygienist. She has gloved hands but goes from my mouth to her computer keyboard, opens cabinets and drawers then, with the same gloved hands, goes back into my mouth without changing gloves. I wish I had the guts to say something to her!

@shy bobcat YUP! The dentist I go to, each exam room has a television in it and they ask what you would like to watch. Can't imagine what's on the remote...

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

Some dentists' offices are quite warm. I would cancel and wait until the flu season is completely over.

I know someone who uses the Neosporin on the edge of nostrils. If and when I ocassionally think about it, I use coconut oil to lubricate the inside of the nostrils. It's anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and other anti-somethings. Wish I would think about using it more often. I should place a container near my front door or in my car.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

AuntMame · ‎10-16-2010

It seems like I often come down with the flu 3-5 days after dental appointments in Jan, Feb and March.

I always try not to touch anything in the dental clinic, but one can contract colds and flu from simply breathing the bug.

Here's another thing: when someone is carrying a bug they're contagious several days before they actually exhibit symptoms. And depending upon the bug they may still be contagious several days after their symptoms are gone.

qvcaddition · ‎03-10-2010

@shy bobcat

wrote:
My biggest concern at the dentist is the hygienist. She has gloved hands but goes from my mouth to her computer keyboard, opens cabinets and drawers then, with the same gloved hands, goes back into my mouth without changing gloves. I wish I had the guts to say something to her!

I never have a problem. It,s your health. She should have common sense to change gloves. If she doesn't,f, you should