Need a refreshing drink:

Try Anna Lee, D.D.S’s perfect fruit punch

Make your family and friend’s taste buds come alive with the Perfect Fruit Punch.

Ingredients:

2 cups cranberry Juice

1-cup pineapple juice

1 cup orange juice

¼ cup grenadine syrup

¼ cup limejuice

1 lemon, cut into slices

1 lime, cut into slices

3-½ cups club soda chilled

Mix the juices and syrup in a large pitcher. Chill for at least an hour to allow the flavor to blend. Right before serving; add the lemon and lime slices and the club soda then pour over ice. Makes 8 cups.

 Anna Lee, D.D.S. Glendora Dentist

Over-The-Counter Tooth Whitening Products

Some Over-The-Counter whitening products, whitening strips and toothpastes contain polishing or chemical agents to improve tooth appearance by removing surface stains.

The American Dental Association cautions patients to use accepted whitening products under professional supervision for safety and better results.


Anna Lee, DDS 

Home-Use Whiteners Dispensed by Dentists

The dental may recommend the Home-Use Whitening for you. This type of treatment involves loading the whitening gel into the custom fitted plastic trays that fit over the teeth (upper or lower).

The dentist provides instructions on the duration of the treatment. Carbamide peroxide is the most commonly used active ingredient in home-use whitening products. These products contain carbamide peroxide in concentrations ranging from 10 percent to 35 percent.

Depending on the varying concentrations of the bleaching ingredients, the treatment can be completed in one to two weeks. Talk to the dentist about which Home-use Whitener is best for you.

 Anna Lee, D.D.S

In-Office whitening

There are many toothwhitening products available to dentists. These products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 15 percent to 40 percent. They are sometimes used with a light, which is supposed to accelerate the whitening process. The whitening procedure is usually completed in 60 minutes. 

To help protect the mouth, a dental dam or protective gel is used to protect the teeth, gum tissues, tongue and lips. Safety glasses are used to shield the eyes from the light.

Most patients are happy and satisfied with the result. Their teeth are whiter and they smile with greater self-confidence. To maintain the white smile, the teeth may require periodic touch ups. The dentist will recommend a home maintenance kit.

Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity to cold food and beverages for a day or two following the procedure. Other report occasional irritation of oral tissues, but these symptoms usually dissipates after the procedure is completed. 

Anna Lee, D.D.S.

Tooth Whitening/Bleaching

What is tooth whitening/Bleaching?

Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that reverses discolorations of enamel to create a whiter and brighter appearance.

How do you know if tooth whitening is for you?

A thorough oral examination and x-rays are essential to determine if Tooth Whitening is right for you. The causes of tooth discoloration may include:

-Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining

-Excessive fluoride/fluorosis

-Trauma (injury) to the tooth

-Pulp (nerve) degeneration

-Restorative material (amalgam/silver filling)

-Genetic and acquired illnesses

-Aging

-Staining substances, such as coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco

Some teeth may not respond to bleaching and the dentist may recommend other options such as bonding, crown or veneers to improve the smile. 

Anna Lee, D.D.S.

Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

About 15-33% of children grind their teeth during sleep between the ages of three and ten, but most of them stop grinding their teeth by age thirteen. Studies show that children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times; when their baby teeth emerge and when permanent teeth come in according to Anna Lee, D.D.S at Glendora Dentistry. 

No one knows the exact cause of why children grind their teeth. A possible cause is the irregular contacts between upper and lower teeth when children have mixed dentition (baby teeth and permanent teeth). Another cause may be stress and anxiety.

Treatment of Bruxism

There are three goals of treatment for bruxism

1. Reduce pain caused by bruxism
-Apply ice or moist heat to sore jaw muscles
-Massage and relax the jaw muscles throughout the day
-Avoid eating hard foods
-Go on soft food diet

2. Prevent and restore permanent teeth damages caused by bruxism
-Correct malocclusion (tooth alignment) can reduce bruxism
-Dental restorations (crowns) to restore the biting surfaces of teeth damaged by bruxism
-Occlusal guard or bite split-A custom made mouth guard or splint can be fabricated for upper or lower teeth. Wearing a mouth guard may relieve muscle tension, decrease painful symptoms, rest the joint and minimize tooth wear.

3. Reduce stress caused by bruxism
-Professional counseling
-Psychotherapy
-Biofeedback exercises or strategies to help you relax
-Prescription of muscle relaxant

Visit Anna Lee, D.D.S. today for an appointment

Complications of Bruxism

In most cases, bruxism does not cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to these possible problems.

- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems

- Damage to the teeth or jaw

-Facial Pain

-Tension-type headaches

Prevention of bruxism: 

-Avoid eating hard foods like nuts and chips

-Avoid chewing gum, makes you more likely to grind your teeth

-Avoid alcohol, intensifies grinding after alcohol consumption

-Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine; increases grinding during sleep

Anna Lee, D.D.S.