STORY:  Flu & Hygiene

SCRIPT # 532  SHOOT:  10/8/03

AIRDATE:  Monday, Nov. 17, 2003

                  Daybreak and Midday

DHC Master #18  Timecode:  39:24 With the cold and flu season’s

arrival, many          dentists offer special advice to their patients, advice which

could help reduce the risk of spreading germs.

For details, here’s Dr. Linda Niessen with today’s Dental Health Check.

  SOVT:   1:34

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TEETH BRUSHING                                 (VOICE-OVER)

 

Cold and flu viruses can spread through physical contact.

So it’s important to follow common sense rules about sharing anything

that touches any part of the mouth.

 

DR. JEFF WILLIAMS                                 (“Obviously don’t share toothbrushes.”)

 

SUPER:   Allen   :16-20          During the flu season, Dr. Jeff Williams of Allen Dental Center reminds his

                                                          patients about the importance of infection control.               

 

SUPER:   Dr. Jeff Williams               (“And after the kids brush their

                    Dentist   :21-26                teeth, don’t put the toothbrushes

                                                          back in the same receptacle.  After

                                                          somebody brushes their teeth, they’ve

                                                          got blood, bacteria, saliva still on the

toothbrush, studies show, even after they rinse it with tap water.”)

 

BRUSHES IN TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER          Family toothbrush holders can cause

cross contamination. If brushes touch,  viruses can spread.

 

DR. WILLIAMS                                 (“And the kids if they are rinsing with

                                                          a cup after they brush their teeth, they

                                                          need a separate cup.  Obviously that

                                                          goes for adults also.”)

 

CHILDREN BRUSHING                        Talk to your children about the dangers

                                                          of sharing toothbrushes. Each child

should have a different color to avoid

confusion.

 

DR. WILLIAMS                                 (“Then the kids will know which one is

                                                          theirs.”)

 

BRUSH SOAKED IN LISTERINE          Toothbrushes may be soaked with Listerine to reduce the risk of infection.

SPRAY BLEACH ON COUNTERS          You may also spray bathroom countertops and sinks with cleaners that contain chlorine bleach, which kills both viruses and bacteria.

YOUNG BOY AND MOTHER                          But if the flu invades your house,

be extra careful with cups, glasses, and tissues, anything that touches the flu patient’s mouth or nose.

         

                                        (STAND-UP CLOSE)

 

SUPER:   Dr. Linda Niessen                 And one final tip, avoid

         Baylor College of Dentistry                 touching your mouth, nose, or

                    1:20-1:25                       eyes with your hands.  Hands

                                                          can spread a virus as easily as

                                                          a cough or sneeze.  For Baylor

                                                          College of Dentistry, Texas

                                                          A & M System, I’m Dr. Linda

                                                          Niessen, Channel 8 News.