R. Tom Glass, DDS's Blog
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My Baby’s Pacifier (Part 3)—How Should I Care For It?
On Aug 25, 2011
Given that you now understand that with use your baby's pacifier becomes contaminated with germs that can make your baby sick, the next question is how to care for it. First, our studies have shown that new pacifiers in the package may be contaminated with low numbers of germs. Therefore, it is important...Full Post -
My Baby’s Pacifier (Part 2)—When Should I Change It
On Aug 16, 2011
Our recent studies of baby pacifier have shown that these devices, even from “well baby” clinics, are substantially contaminated with bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This contamination occurs rapidly with use and within two weeks the complete germ attachment machinery in established on both the nipple and
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My Baby’s Pacifier (Part 1)—Can It Become Contaminated
On Aug 16, 2011
The short answer is YES—baby pacifiers can and do become contaminated with use. Our most recent studies found that while most pacifiers have low levels to no microorganisms in the package, with use they rapidly become contaminated with germs that can produce diseases in the mouth and throughout the entire
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Band Wind Musical Instruments (Part 4)--Can They Be Sanitized
On Aug 15, 2011
In deference to sterilization is sanitization. Sanitization does not completely eliminate all microorganisms--it merely reduces the numbers. Microbial diseases must have a critical number of germs in order to produce disease. While sanitization does not replace the need for periodic instrument sterili...Full Post -
Band Wind Musical Instruments (Part 3)--Can They Be Sterilized
On Aug 15, 2011
Yes--band musical instruments can be sterilized. First you must realize that sterilization is the complete elimination of all microorganisms--bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Sterilization uses a gas (ethylene oxide) and is performed by companies that specialize in sterilizing wind instruments like Encore.Etc...Full Post -
Band Wind Musical Instruments (Part 2)--What Comes Out of the Bell
On Aug 15, 2011
Once it is recognized that band wind musical instruments are contaminated with disease-producing and allergy-producing germs, the next question is whether these germs are being blown out of the instrument bell. Our studies have shown that not only are the germs present in the instruments, but they...Full Post -
Band Wind Musical Instruments (Part 1)--Can They Transmit Diseases
On Aug 15, 2011
With the beginning of another school year come new people joining school bands. Often, because they are just beginning, parents are reluctant to purchase expensive wind musical instruments (clarinets, oboes, saxophones, trumpets, mellophones, trombones). To assist the parents, many schools have instruments they loan to the students. Of...Full Post -
Protective Athletic Mouth-guards (Part 2)--Care and Replacement
On Aug 12, 2011
The function of a Protective Athletic Mouth-guard (PAM) is to protect the teeth from injury when an athlete is engaged in a contact sport. As with any such device, there is a potential for the device to become contaminated with germs and therefore, become a hazard to the athlete. Our studies have shown that the PAM is porous...Full Post -
Protective Athletic Mouth-guards (Part 1)--Basic Types
On Aug 12, 2011
The purpose of a Protective Athletic Mouth-guard (PAM) is to protect the teeth from injury while playing contact sports. There are 2 basic forms of PAMs: (1) Boil and Bite and (2) Fitted. The Boil and Bite PAMs are available at sporting goods stores in a number of shapes; some with lip protection; some without. Most of these PAMs have a strap to affix them
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Dentures (Part 2)--How Can I Reduce the Chances of Infection
On Aug 09, 2011
Recognizing that it only takes 8 hour of wear for a new denture to be contaminated with disease-producing germs, good denture hygiene is essential. First, you must understand that the solid appearance of the denture is not the microscopic reality. In the fabrication process, pores or tracts are formed
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