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

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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

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

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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. 

New Year’s Resolution for a Healthy Smile 2018

You are busy shopping and partying at the end of the year and going to the dentist would be the last thing on your agenda.  You are aware of the importance of good dental health and you are ready to do something about it.  The New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your dental health.  Here are 5 ways you can improve your dental health for the New Year 2018. 

1.     Eat fresh fruits and vegetables

·       Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes & nuts improve the body’s immune system to fight bacteria and inflammation to protect the teeth and gums

·       Apples, carrots and celery help remove plaque from teeth and freshen breath

2.     Quit smoking or using other tobacco products

·       Using tobacco can harm your mouth and increase the risk for tooth discoloration (yellow/stained), tooth decay, periodontal disease, gum recession, throat, lung and oral cancer

·       Smokers are 2 times more likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers

·       Smokeless tobacco can be just as harmful to your oral health

3.     Limit Alcohol

·       According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), excessive alcohol consumption increases gum recessions.  Gum tissues recede below the gum line and it is a form of periodontal disease

·       AGD studies found that smokers consume alcohol regularly are less likely to brush their teeth regularly

4.     Brush and Floss daily

·       Brush 2x/day and floss daily

·       According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), only flossing can remove plaque between teeth and below the gumline.

·       Daily tooth brushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis, tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath)

5.     Routine Dental Visits

·       Depending on your periodontal conditions, the Glendora dentist may recommend  2-4 cleanings per year

·       Glendora dentist monitors the condition of the oral cavity and develops an appropriate treatment plan to meet your wants and needs

·       Regular dental visits with the Glendora dentist help to prevent oral pain & discomfort, extensive and costly dental treatment

Consistency is the key with any resolution that you make.  Glendora Dentist wishes that these New Year’s resolutions would help to achieve good dental health. 

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  If you have any questions about your dental care, please visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call for a FREE consultation at 626-335-5114.

Toothbrushes

Daily tooth brushing is important for good oral hygiene. Tooth brushing removes food and plaque after eating and drinking and keeps the teeth and gums healthy. Dr. Anna Lee says, "there are two types of toothbrushes:  manual and powered."  The ADA recommends toothbrushes that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

 

Manual Toothbrushes

It is important to select a toothbrush head size that easily fits in the mouth and allows easy access to all surfaces of the teeth.  If the toothbrush head is too big or too small, it will not be able to clean the teeth well. Toothbrushes have different types of nylon bristles: soft, medium and hard. Many patients express that the hard bristles do a better job cleaning the teeth.  That is not true.  A soft bristled toothbrush is the most comfortable and safest choice for the teeth and gums. Many people brush vigorously with a hard bristled toothbrush and it can damage the gums, root surface, and tooth enamel.

The recommendation is to replace a manual toothbrush every 3 months.