DENTAL CARE

Q: A:What Is Your Take on The Coronavirus? Who would have ever thought that we would be immersed in a discussion of a disease in the year 2020 that it is the only subject on everyone’s lips? Not just any disease, but one that we can’t fix or cure. It doesn’t discriminate or choose any race, religion, creed, or gender. There are many rumors and thoughts about where we are going. Some of these ideas are from people whom we view as experts. Others are those whom we look to for direction in uncertain times. We cannot fathom what is happening as we move toward more and more isolation and social distancing. We are engaged in a variety of unusual behaviors to slow down the spread as we desperately look for a vaccine for a cure.

It wasn’t that long ago that diseases such as this were the norm. If we go back to the middle ages, the bubonic plague was rampant and killed without regard. At that time, there was no concept of germs or microorganisms. The belief at that time involved something in the air or sky that was the proximate cause of this disease. People fled population centers to run away. They created a social distancing phenomenon. It wasn’t until centuries later that germ theory started to emerge. Now hygiene improvement would help to an extent.

Still, it took many years before antibiotics and ways to fight these miniature soldiers that are invisible to the naked eye. Just watch an old western and see what fear emanated from the appearance of smallpox. Only with the advent of vaccines did this world change dramatically for the better. I am a product of the modern science and medical age and look for our scientists, our warriors, to help us out. I was watching TV last night and after 10 minutes and was depressed. Negativity and social isolation will do unspeakable harm to those of us who are fortunate and blessed not to go through this rampant viral disease. I would like to share with you an article about the comments from a biophysicist and Nobel laureate. His name is Michael Levitt. He looked at statistics and numbers from China. In early February, for about a week, the number of infections went from 1800 to 4700. Then all of a sudden those numbers started to decrease , and a week later so did the death rate. When the infection rate drops, it means that the pandemic is slowing. The Wuhan province in China had the potential for everyone to contract the virus, but in the end, only 3% did.

I am not diminishing the seriousness of this virus, or it’s potential for many illnesses and deaths. For this reason, avoiding crowds, social distancing, and frequent hand washing will help to slow the process down. Until a cure or vaccine comes on the scene, those methods are our weapons. Don’t think that they are futile because they work. They may save you from severe illness or death. The good news is that even if you are infected, you may only show mild or no symptoms. A sound immune system will help fight off the consequences of infection.

I pray to God to give the knowledge to our medical and scientific community to load us with more weapons. In the meantime, look around to help those who need extra help. You can help by bringing out the best in humanity with acts of kindness and goodwill. Our office is open to answer questions, and help you treat your emergencies and pain. Don’t hesitate to call Megan at 440.951.7856. She is there to help and guide you, as is all of our staff in this stressful time. Stay healthy and stay strong. Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD is an Ohio licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine. The Healthy Smile 34586 Lakeshore Boulevard (¼ mile west of Route 91 on Lakeshore Blvd) Eastlake, Ohio 44095 440-951-7856 Severance Medical Arts, Suite 603 5 Severance Center Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 216-371-2333 www.jeffreygrossdds.com