To Our Valued Patients,

As this newest challenge continues to unfold with COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we wanted to give you an update. First, we are currently maintaining our regular schedule. As of now, the Arizona Department of Health Services is not recommending closure or modification. We will continue to closely monitor information from the CDC and AZDHS and follow their recommendations. We will keep you up to date on any changes we may have to make via emails, our website, and social media.

Second, we would like to give you some insight into our practices to keep our team and patient family safe and comfortable. Dentistry is uniquely positioned to protect our team and patients. On a daily basis, we practice ‘Universal Precautions.’ This means we ALWAYS assume that every patient may be carrying a contagious, dangerous disease and we follow strict guidelines to prevent the transmission of any potential disease, including Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, HIV, AND COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This has been standard of care and regulated by the Centers for Disease Control since the 1980s with the AIDS
epidemic.

These measures include:
1. Strict hand hygiene protocols.
2. Use of single use disposable protective equipment and barriers.
3. Thorough disinfection of exposed or potentially exposed surfaces after every patient visit.
4. Disinfection and high-heat steam sterilization of instruments. Routine monitoring of sterilization verification.
5. Continual education on infection control techniques.

In addition to these mandated measures, we have also implemented:
1. Disinfection of common area surfaces every 30 minutes.
2. Availability of hand sanitizer in common areas.
3. Screening everyone who enters based on CDC recommendations.
4. Pre-procedural mouth rinse.

We are happy to address any concerns you may have. We will continue to care for our patient family during this time following all best practices and will monitor CDC guidelines for any new recommendations.

Thank you for being a part of our family. Thank you for allowing us to care for you and your family. Please know we are here to support you and help you in any way that we can.

In good health,

Link to article:
https://bangordailynews.com/2020/03/12/opinion/contributors/dentistry-is-well-poised-to-ensure-the-safety-of-our-patients/

Acid Reflux and your Dental Health

Posted on 9/20/2015 by General Use

A elderly man suffering from acid reflux.

Acid reflux is painful; there is no doubt about it. But did you also know that it could harm your oral health? Sometimes, in fact, we notice acid reflux before a patient even realizes they have it. This is because the acid that should be in your stomach, leaks back into the esophagus and eventually the mouth. This means that your teeth are at risk for being exposed to this acid.

Just like the acids in your foods, it eventually harms your enamel, which means your teeth are worn down, putting you at risk for a multitude of oral health symptoms including tooth decay, bruxism, and even difficult chewing. If we notice enamel erosion strictly on your molars, we will often begin to ask about any symptoms of acid reflux that you may have.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the sphincter of your esophagus does not completely close. This sphincter is responsible for sealing stomach acid into the stomach, but when it does not properly close, that acid can leak back into your chest and eventually your mouth. It can cause a variety of symptoms including pain in the chest, bloating, chronic cough, chronic sore or dry throat, and nausea.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

There are a variety of causes of acid reflux, and no two patients have the same cause. It may be difficult to pinpoint your cause, but here are a few of the most common reasons that it occurs:

•	Excessive weight
•	Late night eating
•	Eating right before going to bed
•	Eating meals that are too large
•	Large consumption of acidic or spicy foods
•	Large consumption of acidic drinks
•	Smoking

Each of these causes can increase your likelihood of obtaining acid reflux; they are also bad habits for your oral health as each of them can cause your enamel to weaken, putting you at risk for tooth decay or gum disease.

What can you Do?
If you have acid reflux, you should see your doctor to see how to get it under control. In addition, however, you need to keep up your regular dental appointments with us. If you let the acid continue to sit on your teeth, you put yourself at risk a variety of oral health issues. With regular checkups at our office, we can help you to minimize that damage and find appropriate ways to prevent it. In addition to coming in for your checkups, you can do the following:

•	Drink plenty of water - This will help to wash the acid away from your teeth, helping to protect your enamel. Water is a better choice to consume when you have acid reflux as it is, as most other drinks contain acid that make your reflux worse.
•	Make your meals lighter - Rather than consuming 3 large meals a day, try to cut it down to 5 smaller meals. Consider each meal a large snack, consuming fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins at each occurrence. This helps to keep the acids in your stomach at a minimum.
•	Manage your weight - Make sure to create a proper exercise routine and watch your caloric intake as the more overweight you are, the higher risk you have for acid reflux.
•	Do not eat before bed - Try to make your last meal or snack at least 3 hours before bedtime to give your body time to digest.

If you think you have acid reflux, call us today for an appointment so that we can evaluate the state of your mouth as a result of the illness.

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Prescott Valley
7136 East Pav Way
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
(928) 277-0076

Chino Valley
1260 Hwy. 89, Ste. G
Chino Valley, AZ 86323
(928) 589-1776

Surprise
15128 W Bell Rd
Suite 12
Surprise, AZ 85374-2451
(602) 842-4864

Prescott
172 E Merritt St.
Suite F
Prescott, Arizona 86301
(928) 443-1200

Dental Blog | Bradshaw Family Dental - Prescott Valley, AZ
Dr. Frausto & Associates are providing this blog to enlighten their patients and the community. At Bradshaw Family Dental our hope is this blog will cover any issues that you and your family may need.
Bradshaw Family Dental, 7136 East Pav Way, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 / (928) 277-0076 / bradshawfamilydental.com / 3/6/2021 / Related Terms: dentist Prescott Valley / dentist Prescott Valley /