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/

Can Acupuncture Help to Treat Chronic Dry Mouth?

Posted on 2/27/2016 by Dr. Andrew Zeiger

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that originated in China and has been used for thousands of years. Primarily used for the treatment of pain, this therapy has also shown other benefits, including the treatment of migraines, osteoarthritis, and even for fertility. Now, research has shown that this method could also be helpful in treating chronic dry mouth.

Acupuncture and Dry Mouth

Research about the connection between acupuncture and dry mouth was published in a 2005 edition of General Dentistry, a peer-reviewed journal by the Academy of General Dentistry. This study indicated that acupuncture is allowing some patients to significantly reduce or even relieve the effects of dry mouth.

This finding is important because the saliva is crucial for the overall health of the mouth, and when dry mouth occurs, saliva levels are decreased. Saliva is the natural defense system of the mouth and also plays an important role in neutralizing acids while rinsing away food particles. When saliva is decreased, patients will be at risk for gum disease and cavities.

Dry Mouth Has Wide-Reaching Effects

When patients fail to get treatment for their dry mouth, their quality of life could suffer. Symptoms include mouth infections, extensive tooth decay, ulcers, and changes in the sense of taste. Difficulty speaking, swallowing, eating, and wearing dentures may also occur.

Typical dry mouth treatment options have generally been short-lived, but studies have found that acupuncture could be a viable option for treating the condition in order to provide long-term relief.

Other Tips for Treating Dry Mouth

In addition to acupuncture, there are other methods that can help to provide relief from these symptoms:

•	Maintain proper oral hygiene
•	Avoid caffeine and alcohol
•	Chew sugar-free gum
•	Increase your water intake
•	Avoid dry and overly salty foods, as well as citrus juices

Regular dental checkups are also important for your long-term oral health. Contact our office to set up an appointment today.

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Bradshaw Family Dental
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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; 10/26/2021; Page Phrases: dentist Prescott Valley; dentist Prescott Valley;