Viral infections in the dental setting: potential effects on pregnant HCWs
Article Abstract:
Pregnant dental health care workers are exposed to a variety of viral diseases some of which may negatively affect fetal development or cause spontaneous abortions. Dental workers are at highest risk for contracting blood- or saliva-borne viruses. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to contracting infections because their immune response is suppressed during pregnancy. The risk of dental workers developing Hepatitis B is three to five times higher than the general population. Hepatitis C is also quite prevalent among health care workers. Both can be transmitted through blood and saliva. The risk of contact with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is low for dental workers. Many childhood diseases are quite contagious, but the spread of most has been eliminated by immunizations. Upper respiratory tract infections also pose a risk to pregnant dental workers.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1993
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Detection of HIV in the dental pulp of a patient with AIDS
Article Abstract:
Dental workers are often in contact with body fluids that may be contaminated with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). A preliminary study was done on the tooth of an HIV-positive patient following extraction. The tooth had apparently healthy pulp, the soft spongy tissue contained in the central chamber or root of the tooth. Analysis of the pulp revealed high concentrations of proviral HIV DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, genetic material). This finding has both scientific and clinical implications. Instruments used during root canal treatment must be handled with the same care as other sharp instruments; cleaning and sterilization must be performed according to accepted standards. Pulp tissue should be disposed of according to guidelines for other infected tissue. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1989
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Medical considerations for dental care of patients with alcohol-related liver disease
Article Abstract:
Dentists may need to exercise special care in treating patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). About 7% of American adults show signs of alcoholism, and ALD can be an outgrowth of alcohol abuse. Since liver damage affects how drugs are metabolized by the body, dentists should only prescribe low doses of acetaminophen and should not prescribe aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with ALD. ALD reduces the ability of blood to clot, so dentists should schedule ALD patients in the morning when blood has better clotting ability.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1997
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