Keeping your TOOTHBRUSH cleaned during COVID-19

 Patients are reminded to replace with a new toothbrush after recovering from an illness, such as a cold or the flu.   When you are sick and brush your teeth, bacteria or virus end up on your toothbrush.  It is important to practice proper toothbrush hygiene to prevent the spreading of the bacteria or virus on the toothbrush to anyone.  Here are some tips to keep your toothbrush cleaned during COVID-19 crisis to prevent the spreading of the virus.

Social distance your toothbrush

·       If you are sick, isolate your toothbrush 

·       Keep your toothbrush by itself

·       Keep the toothbrush by your bedside table or in another separate area

Wash your hands before and after brushing or flossing

·       Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before brushing and flossing your teeth

·       Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after brushing and flossing your teeth

·        
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Disinfect the toothbrush handle

·       Wipe the toothbrush handle with a safe disinfectant after using the toothbrush

·       CDC recommends using a diluted household bleach solution (4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water) or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

·       Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute

Don’t contaminate the toothpaste

·       Do not touch the tip of the toothpaste tube directly onto your toothbrush

·       Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a Q-tip, then apply it to the bristles

Never share a toothbrush

·       Color coding or writing the name on the toothbrushes

·       Kids may accidentally grab the wrong a toothbrush that belongs to another family member

Trash your toothbrush after being sick

·       Replace your toothbrush with a new one so you don’t get sick again

·        
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles look worn out.

·        
At Dr. Anna Lee’s dental office, patients get a new toothbrush at every 3, 4, or 6 months of hygiene appointments.  They are also color-coded; pink, green, blue and lavender.

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She is experienced in all phases of dentistry.  She treats patients of all ages. Call our dental office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental checkup or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.  You will get a complimentary goodie bag with your favorite colored toothbrush. 

Keeping your TOOTHBRUSH cleaned during COVID-19

  

Patients are reminded to replace with a new toothbrush after recovering from an illness, such as a cold or the flu.   When you are sick and brush your teeth, bacteria or virus end up on your toothbrush.  It is important to practice proper toothbrush hygiene to prevent the spreading of the bacteria or virus on the toothbrush to anyone.  Here are some tips to keep your toothbrush cleaned during COVID-19 crisis to prevent the spreading of the virus.

Social distance your toothbrush

·       If you are sick, isolate your toothbrush 

·       Keep your toothbrush by itself

·       Keep the toothbrush by your bedside table or in another separate area

Wash your hands before and after brushing or flossing

·       Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before brushing and flossing your teeth

·       Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after brushing and flossing your teeth

·       The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Disinfect the toothbrush handle

·       Wipe the toothbrush handle with a safe disinfectant after using the toothbrush

·       CDC recommends using a diluted household bleach solution (4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water) or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

·       Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute

Don’t contaminate the toothpaste

·       Do not touch the tip of the toothpaste tube directly onto your toothbrush

·       Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a Q-tip, then apply it to the bristles

Never share a toothbrush

·       Color coding or writing the name on the toothbrushes

·       Kids may accidentally grab the wrong a toothbrush that belongs to another family member

Trash your toothbrush after being sick

·       Replace your toothbrush with a new one so you don’t get sick again

·       The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles look worn out.

·       At Dr. Anna Lee’s dental office, patients get a new toothbrush at every 3, 4, or 6 months of hygiene appointments.  They are also color-coded; pink, green, blue and lavender.

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She is experienced in all phases of dentistry.  She treats patients of all ages. Call our dental office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental checkup or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.  You will get a complimentary goodie bag with your favorite colored toothbrush. 

Keeping your teeth healthy during COVID-19 crisis

 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) the crisis is an ongoing problem and is affecting all aspects of our lives.  Many of us are under stress and it can have negative effects on our oral and dental health.  Here is some information on maintaining your oral and dental health during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Maintain good dental and oral hygiene daily

·       Maintain a daily routine of brushing and flossing your teeth 2 times per day to prevent tooth decay and gum infection

·       Brushing and flossing your teeth reduce plaque (bacteria) build-up

§  Keep your toothbrush clean. If you were sick with a cold or flu, replace with a new toothbrush

·       Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash also helps to reduce plaque build-up

·       Use fluoridated toothpaste

Maintain a healthy diet

·       Avoid excessive snacking with starchy foods and drinks

·       Avoid alcohol and tobacco products

·       Avoid chewing on ice, hard/sticky candies, popcorn, peanut brittle or hard foods that can crack a tooth or damaged fillings

·       Good hydration is important for oral health.  Drinking water is excellent to keep you hydrated.

Relax your jaw

·       Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common responses to high-stress situations. You may experience headaches, earaches and jaw pain

·       Take breaks throughout the day to relax your facial muscles and stretch your jaw

·       Practice stress management techniques before bed like breathing exercises

·       Make sure to mention the teeth grinding and jaw clenching problems to Dr. Lee at your next dental appointment

Do the best you can to maintain good oral hygiene, a healthy diet and relax during this challenging time.                                   

 Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She is experienced in all phases of dentistry.  She treats patients of all ages.   Call our dental office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental checkup or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.   We look forward to seeing all of our patients again soon!

CORONAVIRUS HEALTH UPDATE

With many dental offices temporarily shutting down, I wanted to inform you that we are here for you!

Our office remains open for those who are in need of help with their dental health.  We are following the ADA and CDC’s recommendations and that is to postpone non-urgent dental visits and prioritize urgent and emergency procedures now and for the coming several weeks.  We want to ensure our office is a safe environment for all patients and staff.

If you have a dental emergency, or an urgent dental situation requiring treatment, please call us right away.  A staff member or Dr. Lee will contact you.

Our office remains open to schedule your appointments and answer any questions you may have.

We wish all of you continued health and strength during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Anna Lee, D.D.S & Staff

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CHANGE TO DENTAL CARE APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY

Dear Patients,                                                                

Our top priority is the health and well-being of our patients, families, staff and community.  In this unprecedented time, we are deeply committed to keeping everyone safe.

In light of the evolving pandemic and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to limit patient treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our office follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and that is to postpone non-urgent dental visits, and prioritize urgent and emergency procedures now and for the coming several weeks.  If you have an appointment scheduled with us this week or next, our office will be in touch to help reschedule your appointment.

Our office remains open for those who are in need of help with their dental health.  Dr. Anna Lee is on call in the event of a dental emergency.  Should you require urgent dental care, please call our office as you normally would and a staff member or Dr. Lee will contact you.

We did not make this decision lightly.  A great deal of care, research and planning guided our decision.  We will continue to evaluate the situation as it evolves and determine on a weekly basis when it is appropriate for us to return to our normal business hours. 

Again, please understand that we are making this decision with the health and well-being of our patients, our families, our team and our community in mind.

We wish all of you continued health and strength during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Anna Lee, D.D.S. & Staff

Oral Health and High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious medical condition. It is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels higher than normal. Blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage the heart and cause health problems when it stays high for a long time.  

In November 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) released a new clinical guideline on hypertension. The American Dental Association (ADA) reported the AHA and ACC updates in December 2017. The new clinical guideline states that normal blood pressure is under 120/80mm/Hg. 

How does poor oral health or infected gums (periodontal disease) affect patients with hypertension?

• The mouth is an ideal breeding area for bacteria. Patients who have poor oral health and infected gum tissues are at increased risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream and lead to increased blood pressure. 
• Infected gum tissues do not directly cause hypertension, but it is a risk factor of high pressure.
• 2018 study in the American Heart Association Journal reported that people with healthy gums respond better to their hypertension medication than those diagnosed with periodontal disease. Patients with periodontal disease were 20% less likely to achieve a “healthy” blood pressure range (below 120/80mm/Hg).

Dentists can spot potential signs of hypertension

• Dentists review the patient’s dental and medical history
• some medications you take for medical conditions may increase blood pressure.
• some health conditions may increase blood pressure.
• signs and symptoms of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and loose teeth.
• Dentists check blood pressure
• blood pressure is checked at a dental check-up and dental cleaning appointment.
• blood pressure is checked before getting dental treatment.
• detecting hypertension in its early stages can help to prevent major medical problems later on.

Prevention of hypertension

• Avoid smoking-Tobacco use causes blood vessels to narrow, forcing the heart to pump faster which leads to high blood pressure.
• Watch your weight-Obesity and overweight are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
• Exercise is good for the heart and blood pressure.
• Limit salty and fatty foods-Diet high in salt or fat can contribute to high blood pressure.

Dental Care for patients with hypertension

• Update medical history at every dental appointment
• Update on medications (list of medications currently taking)
• Take blood pressure at the start of every dental treatment
• Patients with elevated blood pressure
• Postpone the dental treatment
• Use local anesthetics without epinephrine
• Regular communication between the dentist and the patient’s physician
• Regular dental checkups 
• Review dental home care and oral hygiene: brush 2x per day and floss daily
• Remind the patient to follow up with their physicians

High blood pressure is referred to as “the silent killer.” 

Many patients have it and not know about it. Dentists are trained to treat your oral diseases and assess your overall health. Dentists may be one of the first health professionals to screen for high blood pressure by simply checking your blood pressure. 

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. People with healthy gums respond better to their high blood pressure medication and are more likely to have healthy and normal blood pressure.  Dr. Anna Lee can help you to maintain healthy teeth and healthy gums.  Please call our office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com

 

Coronavirus

                                         

At Dr. Anna Lee's dental office, your health and the health of our staff are of the utmost importance.  To ensure your health and the health of our staff, we follow universally accepted precautions in our operatories and office. Additionally, every half hour to an hour we wipe down the waiting room and common spaces with disinfectant.

For the protection of all our patients and staff due to the recent outbreak of coronavirus, we are requesting the following:

• If you have an illness or are exhibiting symptoms, we recommend you cancel and reschedule your dental appointment. Some illness and symptoms include:
• a cold or the flu
• fever or nausea
• severe headaches or body aches
• muscle or stomach pain, chest pain or difficulty breathing
• vomiting or diarrhea
• active tuberculosis (TB)
• mumps, measles, chickenpox
• other contagious disease
• Please notify our staff before your appointment if you or someone you are in close contact with have recently traveled to one of the countries with large outbreaks of COVID-19 (ex. China, Italy, Iran, South Korea) or if you have been exposed to someone else who was diagnosed with COVID-19 or who was quarantined as a precaution.

If you are healthy, there’s no need to cancel your regularly scheduled dental appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us immediately.   The below links provide additional information regarding the coronavirus:

• World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov

Our team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated information when warranted.  Thank you for your patronage.

Sincerely,

Anna Lee, D.D.S. & Staff