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

 

Oral and Dental Care for Patients with Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. The most common thyroid problems are involved with the overproduction and underproduction of thyroid hormones. A thyroid gland that produces too much hormone is called hyperthyroidism and not enough production is called hypothyroidism.
There are dental risks treating patients with uncontrolled thyroid disease. Patients with hyperthyroidism can have elevated blood pressure and pulse. It is dangerous to perform dental procedures on patients with elevated blood pressure. Regular communication between the dentist and patients’ physician is important in helping the patients to maintain and control the thyroid disease.
Some effects of Thyroid Disease on Dental Health:

• Dry mouth

▪ decrease saliva production

▪ mouth sores, tooth decay and difficulty swallowing

• Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

▪ middle-aged women or women in menopause develop BMS

▪ burning sensation on the tongue or the lips or the whole mouth

▪ bitter or metallic taste

▪ treatment for thyroid disease can improve the symptoms of BMS

Some Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism on oral and dental health

• Salivary gland enlargement

• Compromised periodontium (gum infection)

• Dysgeusia (distortion of the sense of taste)

• Delayed dental eruption

• Enamel hypoplasia (thin enamel, vulnerable to dental decay)in primary and permanent dentition

• Anterior open bite (upper and lower front teeth don’t touch)

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

• Mouth breathing

Some Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism on oral and dental health

• Increased dental decay risk

• Increased periodontal disease risk

• Burning Mouth Syndrome

• Accelerated dental eruption

• Maxillary and mandibular osteoporosis

Recommendations on treating patients with Thyroid Disease

• Regular communication between the dentist and patients physician

• Update the patient’s medical history at every dental visit

▪ patient’s medication (list of medications currently taking)

▪ blood test (thyroid) ordered by the physician

• Take blood pressure at the start and end of the dental treatment

• Patients with elevated blood pressure and pulse

▪ postpone the dental treatment

▪ use local anesthetics without epinephrine

• Patients with dry mouth

▪ xylitol products in toothpaste, mouth rinse, and chewing gum prevent tooth decay and dry mouth

• Review dental home care

• Regular dental checkups

▪ dental exams and cleanings 2 times per year

▪ x-rays as needed

• Remind the patient to follow up with their physicians

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. With proper medical and dental care, symptoms of Thyroid Disease can be monitored, maintained and well-controlled. Please call our office at 626-335-5114      to schedule a dental checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com.

Dental Plaque and Tartar

Patients frequently ask the question at their hygiene appointment about the difference between plaque and tartar. We all have dental plaque and some tartar build-up. Some people may have more tartar build up faster than others. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and along the gum line after eating foods. As plaque forms and is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it can harden and calcify into tartar. Plaque on the tooth surface gives a fuzzy and sticky feeling. Tartar is described as rough on the tooth surface. Both dental plaque and tartar are harmful to the teeth and periodontal health and may lead to dental decay and periodontal disease.

Dental Plaque

• a sticky, colorless or pale yellow film of bacteria that is formed on and between the teeth and along the gum line after eating foods 
• begins forming on the teeth about 4-12 hours after brushing
• bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel causing dental decay
• bacteria in plaque on the gum line cause early stage of gum disease, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) 
• cause bad breath 
• teeth look dingy and yellow
• Causes of plaque: plaque develops when foods containing sugars and starches are left on the teeth after eating. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods and produce acids that attack the tooth surface and below or at the gum line. As a result, plaque may cause dental decay, periodontal disease or possible tooth loss

Tartar (dental calculus)

• hardened or calcified plaque (deposit or build-up) that attaches to the enamel on the teeth
• hardened or calcified plaque (deposit or build-up) that attaches above or below the gum line
• yellow or brown deposit or build up between teeth, above or below the gum line
• tartar is rough and attaches at or below the gum line and can cause receding gums, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and dental decay
• Causes of tartar: plaque is not removed regularly, lack of tooth brushing, lack of flossing between teeth, poor dental hygiene and lack of dental checkups and dental cleanings

Prevention

• brush thoroughly at least twice a day for 2 minutes to remove plaque from all surfaces of the teeth
• floss daily to remove plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line
• limit sugary or starch foods, especially sticky snacks
• schedule at least 2 regular dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups each year
• proper brushing and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Once tartar has formed, only the dentist or dental hygienist can remove it professionally

Treatment

• the procedure for removing tartar is called scaling and root planing
• ultrasonic and hand scalers are used to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth, above and below the gum line

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. Please call our office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental cleaning and checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com.