What is Hepatitis?

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Liver Disease (Hepatitis)
There are many different types of diseases that dental hygienist have to be aware of. It is important to know the basic information about the disease and how the disease affects the patient’s oral cavity as well as how to treat the patient. This paper will be addressing liver disease and more specifically, liver disease caused by hepatitis. “The term liver disease applies to many diseases and disorders that cause the liver to function improperly or stop functioning.” (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Liver Disease.”) A couple signs and symptoms include fever, dark urine, abdominal pain and jaundice, which is the yellowing of the eyes and skin. (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Liver Disease.”)
“Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.”("What Is Hepatitis?") There are three main types of hepatitis. These include hepatitis A, B, and C. These three types of hepatitis cause the most concern to medical staff due to their ability to spread and cause outbreaks. “Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) It can range from acute to chronic. An individual can become infected with hepatitis A if they eat or drink food or water that has been contaminated with the virus. Some common “sources of vitamin A include shellfish, fruits, vegetables, ice and water”. (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Hepatitis A.”) Hepatitis B is a serious, endemic, worldwide disease that can occur at any age. (Wilkins 45) The hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is transmitted though contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Hepatitis B.”) Hepatitis C...

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...diasis. (Coates 4) The dental team may suggest different types of moisture replacements to aid in the production of saliva. A few moisture replacements can include chewing sugar free gum, sipping water throughout the day, and/or using a saliva substitute. (Coates 4)
In conclusion, it is important for the dental staff to treat all patients as if they are infected. A patient may or may not choose to disclose any information pertaining to their disease or they may not be aware of it. It is also important for the dental staff to have immunizations done at regular intervals. The hygienist needs to make sure he or she protects him or herself as well as the patient during treatment. Discrimination against someone with a disease is illegal. With that in mind it is the clinician’s duty to be aware of diseases he or she may come into contact with and how to treat the patient.

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