[Question #8421] Dentist Visit

45 months ago

Greeting Dr.

Just a short question not because of anxiety but just for reassurance.

Two days ago I had routine visit to dentist for dental hygienic procedure. And I noticed few relatively large (around one inch) reddish or pink stains on her apron. I asked her whether it is a blood and she was saddened and told me that it is a paste, she also touch it. So I was a little worried over this because instruments touch the apron. Are my concerns unwarranted?

Thanks and best regards,

PJF

Edward W. Hook M.D.

45 months ago

Welcome to our form and thanks for your question. I’ll be glad to comment. I can tell you from personal experience that the cleanser that dentist used to polish teeth during routine visits is pink in color. This is most likely what was on the apron. Equally and perhaps more importantly, with one exception in which a deranged dentist intentionally infected persons nearly 30 years ago, no one acquires HIV or other infections from visits to the dentist office. Dentists and their assistants are carefully trained to avoid any risk of spreading any and all infections.

I would not worry in the least about the event you described. I see no reason for concern and now he’s in for testing. I hope this comment is helpful to you. EWH

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45 months ago

Dear Dr. Hook

Thanks for answering my question. I felt that dentist was a bit saddened that I asked her about stains. Even when I asked her she was not even thinking about those stains until I pointed out them. However the apron was brand new, probably she spilled it before or while preparing polish paste. It is one of the best high-end dental clinic, established by Canadian professor of dentistry who moved here to Europe.

I think there was a autocorrect on your last sentence, if I correctly understood from context that no testing needed?

Doctor I hoped that my previous question will be last but I came with this one which I again understood that it is anxiety driven.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

45 months ago

Apologies for the autocorrect. The sentence should have read “… no reason for concern and no reason for testing.”

Take care. EWH

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43 months ago

In the end of last month I have had mild joint aches and weird stabbing bone ache very mild and one canker sore for. I got little worried about it. Is this something to be worried about?

Thanks doc for helpful answers, best regards and take care.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

43 months ago

These are nonspecific symptoms that in no way suggest HIV or other STI. In this day and age, if anything joint aches of the sort you describe would be more likely to be due to the flu or even COVID than HIV. No change in my assessment or advise. Take care. EWH ---