Dental Tips for Travelers

  

Vacation Time!  Whether you are on a vacation for a few days or months away out of the country; here are some dental tips for travelers to maintain good oral care:

Make Time for a dental checkup before travel

·       Thorough oral exam to take care any dental problems before the travel

·       Your dentist should check fillings, crowns or dentures in your mouth.  Air traps in the teeth can expand at extreme altitudes; it can cause pain, inflammation and even loose fillings, crowns or dentures

In case of emergency/emergency overseas

·       Make sure to have the dentist’s contact information handy or keep a business card in the wallet

·       If you are out of the country, get a dental referral/recommendation from the local consulate or U.S. embassy

Pack Dental supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)

·       Ventilate toothbrush-Store the toothbrush after use in a sealable plastic bag and keep it clean and out of contact with other things. As soon as you reach the destination, take the toothbrush out for air dry.

·       Toothpaste and floss-keep these supplies in the glove compartment, purses, containers, plastic bags, carry-on

·       Bring extra, portable/disposable supplies-go small, the more compact the oral hygiene items, the more likely you are to keep them handy

Eat healthy snacks

·       Cut up fruits & vegetables, baby carrots, celery sticks, sliced apples, string cheese, whole grain crackers, trail mix

·       Chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities.  It gets saliva flowing and washes away cavity-causing bacteria

·       Drink water

Brush with bottled water

·       If you are in a country that the water supply may be compromised, use bottled water to brush your teeth.  It reduces the risk of getting sick

·       Clean the toothbrush with bottled water.  It reduces the risk of getting sick

Stick to your routine

·       Brush your teeth 2x/day and floss daily

·       End of day with a thorough brushing and flossing. 

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She has been taking care of adults and children’s dentistry for over 25 years.  Call our dental office for a thorough dental examination before leaving for your vacation.  If you and your family have any questions about dental care, please contact Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.   

Facts About Sleep Apnea

                         

    Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP machines used to be the only option people had to improve their quality of life. Now, there is a better option, oral dental device by Dr. Anna Lee. She can help create a custom device that will help give you your life back. 

CPAP machines are used with a variety of breathing masks. They are most widely used treatment for moderate and severe OSA.

CPAP treatment may cause side effects: dry or stuffy nose, irritated skin on the face, dry mouth, and headaches.  If the CPAP device is not adjusted properly, patients may get stomach bloating and discomfort while wearing the mask.

                                                  Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved oral appliance therapy (OAT) as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA.  The AASM also recommends oral appliance therapy for patients with severe OSA, who are unable to tolerate or cannot wear CPAP devices.  Another option for people with severe OSA is combination therapy (wearing CPAP and an oral appliance together) to help reduce the pressure on a CPAP machine, making it more comfortable to use.

Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT):

·      

       Oral Appliance Therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment that fits easily into your lifestyle.  Patients like     

   

          Oral Appliance Therapy because it is:

-comfortable, easy to wear,

-quiet

-portable, convenient for travel

-easy to care for

Oral Appliance Therapy my cause side effects:  soreness of the mouth, saliva build-up, nausea, and damage or permanent change in position of the jaw, teeth and mouth.

Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, is a trained dentist in sleep apnea who can assist you with treatment.  Dr. Anna Lee conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  Following the examination, you will have models of your teeth made and a follow-up appointment is scheduled to fit your custom oral appliance.  Please visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com