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Protecting Your Smile from Getting Sick | Chicago Dentist

During the winter months, it is easy to catch a cold if we aren’t careful because germs are running rampant. Add these chillier months are and flu season instantly turns into the worst season, especially for a family with little ones that love to share everything, even germs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children can catch a cold as soon as 6 months old. This is why it is important to take extra precautions during this time of year to keep the entire family happy and healthy. So, as we ride out flu season, and hopefully Coronavirus, keep these health tips in mind. After all, taking proactive measures is the key to prevention.

Eat and stay hydrated. Feed a cold, starve a fever is a general rule we all seem to follow, but saliva is one of our best defenses against bacteria. Staying hydrated will cause saliva production to rinse our mouths of these bad bacteria. Eating lots of crunchy foods like apples and carrots also keep our mouths bacteria-free.

No medications before bed. Lots of cold medicines and cough syrups are very sugary and thick in order to coat and soothe our throats. Avoid taking these remedies before bed as the sugar and acids will remain in your mouth, making homes in our teeth’s crevices and causing cavities and other dental issues as we sleep. Instead, opt for a pill form of medication during these times so there is no sugary residue left in your mouth to wreak havoc.

Remember, if you happen to get sick, make sure to replace your toothbrush afterwards to prevent any further spread of bacteria.

If you would like more information about staying healthy during flu season, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Protecting Our Patients in Our Office | Chicago Dentist

We have enhanced our already strict infection control protocols. The most obvious will be limiting the number of people in the office by intentionally spacing appointments to minimize patient-to-patient contact. Team members will have enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical grade air purifiers have been placed throughout the office.

Please be advised that for the next few weeks, we will need to prioritize patients with the greatest needs. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, but many appointments will need to be rearranged in order to resume operations safely.

For everyone’s safety, we have instituted the following protocol:

Pre-screening. At this time, patients who have been diagnosed, been around anyone that has been diagnosed, been out of the country in the past six weeks or are experiencing respiratory illness, fever, body aches, loss of smell or taste will not be able to be seen until cleared.

Upon arrival. Appointments should be attended alone. If you need a driver, please have them wait in the parking garage to minimize people in our offices. The following will be required prior to being seen:

  • Your temperature will be taken
  • Use of hand sanitizer
  • Your written consent

All doctors and staff will be wearing enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE). All surfaces will be disinfected on an increased frequency with medical grade disinfectants after each appointment. For all patients undergoing surgical procedures or other procedures where anesthetic is required, we are now assessing a fee of $35 per visit charge. All other visits required a $15 per visit charge.

Upon exiting. You will again use hand sanitizer and replace your personal facial covering. Payment arrangements will have been made beforehand. Receipts and next appointment information will be forwarded to you.

If you would like more information about COVID precautions, call Dr. Peter O. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.