Blog posts of '2020' 'August'

Reopening the country requires everyone to move forward by practicing social distancing and daily habits that will help reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness of your home, a safe reopeningstrongly relies on public health strategies.

Now that businesses are reopening and some states are relaxing social distancing restrictions it is important that States make testing more accessible to citizens by increasing the amount of testing locations available to the public. This will help keep track of how the virus is spreading and attack the increasing numbers.

For citizens to ensure their safety when stepping out of the house, cleaning and disinfecting public spaces will require you to develop a plan, implement and maintain your plan accordingly.

This guide is intended for all Americans.

The EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products that can be used against COVID-19 including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes. Each product has been shown to be effective against viruses that are hard to kill, like the one that causes COVID-19.

This document provides a general framework for cleaning and disinfecting practices. The framework is based on doing the following:

1.       Routine cleaning with soap and water will reduce the risk of exposure by decreasing how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects.
2.       Using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 can also help reduce the risk. Frequently disinfect surfaces and objects touched by multiple people.
3.       When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used. Do not mix bleach with other cleaning or disinfecting products, this can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
4.       You should never eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply them directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. Do not wipe or bathe pets with these products or any other products that are not approved for animal use.

Develop a Plan

In order to develop your plan, begin by evaluating your area by determining what kind of surfaces or materials make up that area. Most surfaces and objects will need normal routine cleaning. Frequently touched surfaces and objects like light switches and doorknobs will need to be disinfected to further reduce the risk of being infected with germs that may cause COVID-19.

•          Firstly, you must clean the surface or object with soap and water
•          Then, disinfect using an EPA-approved disinfectant.
•          If an EPA-approved disinfectant is unavailable, you can use 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions to disinfect. Do not mix bleach or other cleaning or disinfection products together. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.

Soft and porous materials, such as area rugs and seating, may be removed or stored to reduce disinfecting challenges.

It is critical that your plan includes how to maintain a cleaning and disinfecting strategy after reopening or allowing guest in your home. Develop a flexible plan with your staff or family, adjusting the plan as federal or local guidance is updated.

If your workplace, school or business has been unoccupied for 7 days or more, it will only need your normal routine cleaning to reopen the area. This is because the virus has not been shown to survive on surfaces longer than this time.

Implement your Plan

Once you have a plan, it’s time to take action. Read all manufacturers’ instructions for the cleaning and disinfection products that you will use. Put on your gloves and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting.

-          Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water prior to disinfection. Remember to always wear gloves to protect your skin from chemicals during routine cleanings.

-          Use the appropriate cleaning or disinfecting product. EPA-approved disinfectants when applied according to the manufacturer’s label are effective for use against COVID-19.

Maintain and Revise your Plan

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 during daily activities. Reducing exposure to yourself and others is a shared responsibility. Continue to update your plan based on updated guidance and your current circumstances.

Surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, desks, phones, light switches, and faucets should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a day. More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.

Consider choosing a different disinfectant if your first choice is in short supply. Make sure that there is enough appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and assessthe size of the surface you are treating.

It is essential that we change the ways we use public and private spaces to work, live and play. Now, sourcing personal protective equipmentand other infection control suppliesduring the COVID-19 pandemicis extremely simple thanks to Noble Dental Supplies who now offer free shipping for orders over $500.

Remember, we’re all in this together!

5 WAYS TO STAY AHEAD OF THE DENTAL INDUSTRY

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While cloth facemasksare now universal, clear plastic face shields are starting to become a public favorite and the new found curiosity has raised questions about how well they protect against COVID-19.

The corona virus is spread mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or speaks. Transmission primarily occurs during close person-to-person contact and, less commonly, via contaminated surfaces.

Eli Perencevich, a professor of internal medicine and epidemiology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine – believes that face shields could potentially be more effective than cloth face masks in a community setting.

In an opinion piece Perencevich cited a 2014 study from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that looked at how well face shields protected a health care worker against influenza. They found that the face shield reduced immediate viral exposure to the flu by 92%, when worn within 6 feet of a cough.

However, according to the CDC, facemasks are still the best deterrent of the virus and recommend facial coverings because there are currently no studies that examine how well face shields protect other individuals from the wearer’s own respiratory droplets, should they be infected.

Co-director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, HolgerSchunemann says, “Eye protection may provide additional benefits,”

After analyzing 44 studies across 26 countries and six continents from March - May 2020, the research team, suggested everyone wear eye protection; which could reduce the risk of infection from 16% to 6%, compared to those without eye protection.

Although physical distancing plays the greatest role in reducing the spread of COVID-19, face masks and eye protection were each highly effective.

Order face shields in bulk at low costs only from Noble Dental Supplies. We’ve used our extensive knowledge in order to bring dentists high-quality dental supplies across a wide range of categories that are 30-50% below the expensive name-brand products. Browse through our range of dental supplies and get free shipping for orders over $500!

HOW TO AQUIRE NEW PATIENTS AS A DENTIST

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For dental professionals who operate in the oral and nasal cavities the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a severe threat. Since the mouth is a portal for taking in the coronavirus, oral care should be amongst the topmost priorities.

Dr. AvinashBidra, a clinical associate professor of prosthodontics at the School of Dental Medicine and Dr. BelachewTessema, ENT physician at ProHealth Physicians, investigated a way to decontaminate the patient’s oral and nasal cavities to protect and prevent transmission.

Their studies have proven that a simple method of rinsing with a diluted version of over-the-counter PVP-I solutions can kill viruses and can prevent transmission in as little as 15 seconds.

            “We were not satisfied with the safety provided by masks and face shields. Almost all procedures involve aerosol production, resulting in a higher risk for clinicians, assistants, and patients” says Dr. Bidra.

PVP-I solutions are typically sold over the counter at 10% concentration to be used as an antiseptic for wounds.

 The test ran three different diluted concentrations of 1.5%, 1% and 0.5% at three different contact times of 15 seconds, 30 seconds and 45 seconds. Research showed that the lowest concentration of 0.5% and the lowest contact period of 15 seconds was enough to completely inactivate SARS CoV-2 in the laboratory.

Bidra and Tessema recommend using 9.5 ml of water and 0.5ml of a commercially available 10% povidone-iodine antiseptic solution to create a 0.5% diluted solution. The dilution should be done before rinsing and should be for a minimum of 30 seconds.

Precaution should be taken if allergic to iodine, if they are pregnant or if theysuffer from the thyroid.

“This is a simple and inexpensive method to protect oneself when coming in close contact with people. We believe this has immediate and tremendous dental public health impact for patients and for dental professionals, amidst the ongoing pandemic” says Dr. Bidra.

“The safety of povidone-iodine in the sinonasal and oral cavity has been well documented and we have shown that the SARS CoV-2 virus can be rapidly inactivated by a topical application. Studies have shown that the nasal and oropharyngeal cells are reservoirs for SARS-CoV2 infection. We believe that nasal and oral decontamination with PVP-I may play a role in mitigating viral transmission beyond PPE.” says Tessema.

The researchers are optimistic that this method can benefit those engaged in high-risk activities outside of a dental or otolaryngology setting. Anyone engaging in risky activities like barbers and hair dressersmay benefit from this method.

Oral conditions may impact infection in other parts of the body, especially in people with a compromised immune system.

Here are a few things you could do to improve your oral health.

1.      Brush, floss, rinse, repeat
   Preventative measures like brushing and flossing are a must, as it might be a while until your next dental appointment. Staying hydrated throughout the day will also help remove plaque and bacteria.

2.      Clean and replace your toothbrush regularly
   The bristles of your toothbrush can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Fungi, like candida, can live on a toothbrush. A good way to keep your toothbrush clean is to rinse it with hydrogen peroxide once a week to keep the bristles clean.

3.      Do not share oral hygiene products
   If you’re sharing oral hygiene products with anyone in your family, stop immediately. Periodontal disease, a common septic condition caused by poor hygiene and candidiasis, can be spread easily via toothbrush. So can viruses such as streptococcus mutans, which can cause MRSA infections as well as Herpes simplex and HPV, a virus linked to esophageal, oral and cervical cancers.

Click here to browse the Noble Dental Supplies inventory and ready yourself against the Covid-19 virus. Browse from a wide range of supplies priced below the average rate and enjoy free shipping when your order is $500 or more.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR DENTAL SUPPLIERS,

HERE ARE SOME TIPS

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In a report by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, it is mentioned that dentistry presents the greatest risk of exposure to medical practitioners, as they are brought in much closer contact with patients and patients’ saliva due to the contaminated aerosol that some dental procedures generate.

Direct contact with respiratory aerosols or droplets from infected individuals when sneezing, coughing, or talking are the main route of transmission for SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, high volumes of the virus in the oral cavity offer a strong source of potential infection for dentist.

Many recommendations and behavioural guidelines have been published by professional dental chambers and dental associations stating that over the counter mouthwashes may inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Potentially cutting the risk of transmission, according to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

One recommendation in particular would appear to be of significant interest to the dental practitioner - the use of a mouth rinse as a possible safeguard to prevent cross infections, reduce aerosol contamination and deactivate the virus in the oral cavity.

Mouthwashes that contain the active ingredients of either dequalinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, poluvidone-iodine, or ethanol significantly reduced the viral infectivity of SARS-CoV-2.

The high risk of transmission of the virus and the exponential increase in positive cases, in addition to the known possibility of being an asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic carrier (few symptoms are so mild they never suspect an infection), obliges dental practice staff to consider all patients as potentially infected.

Chlorhexidine has a well-documented effect against viruses in general and specifically against enveloped viruses such as HIV18. Moreover, because Chlorhexidine has excellent virucidal action itcan prevent COVID-19 even at lower concentrations.

Considering the available data, all the antiseptics proposed have an antiviral effect and it is therefore impossible to say that any one of them is not active against viruses. In the specific case of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there is no definite evidence.

The only deductions made must be based on the action mechanism, on the data relating to similar viruses in the past, on results obtained in other non-dental fields, and on the products’ disinfection action on inanimate surfaces.

There is no definite proof that hydrogen peroxide 1% and povidone-iodine 1% are effective when used as mouth rinses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but their 

underlyingoxidation mechanism can eradicate numerous viruses from contaminated surfaces and areas.

Chlorhexidine has been proven effective against microorganisms in the aerosol produced by dental procedures – and has the highest efficacy as a chemical plaque control agent.

Find products like chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse at Noble Dental Supplies. Browse through a wide variety of merchandise or call at 1-866-333-6825 for assistance on your order.

HOW TO REDUCE OVERHEAD ISSUES

AND ENSURE BOTTOMLINE GROWTH

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