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 and dental care for patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that affects the motor functions, balance, coordination and the ability to perform common daily activities. Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells in the area of the brain that controls movement become impaired and/or died. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease begin gradual and get worse over time. Symptoms may include tremor, stiffness of the limbs, slowness of movement, impaired balance, difficulty swallowing, chewing and others. Maintaining good oral and dental care is a challenge for people with Parkinson’s disease. 

Most people with Parkinson’s disease are about age 60, but there is 5-10% of people have the disease before the age of 50. Both men and women can have Parkinson’s disease. There is no medical test to detect the disease, so it can be difficult to diagnose accurately. 

Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms can affect the mouth; teeth, gums, and the jaw.     

      Some symptoms can cause oral and dental health problems

• Tremor-make it hard for the hand to brush and floss the teeth
• Drooling (excessive saliva)-can cause fungal infection at the corners of the mouth. 
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)-can cause choking during a dental procedure
• Dry mouth increases the risk of dental decay

Tips to maintain oral and dental health

• Use electric toothbrushes-they are easier to hold and have a rotating head that can assist in finer movements associated with tooth brushing
• Toothbrushes with a bigger grip are easier to hold (adaptive grip aids to make tooth brushing easier)
• Brush right after every meal
• Avoid mouthwashes-can be a choking hazard
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid products that include alcohol (make dry mouth conditions worse)
• Eat and drink in an upright position
• Take small bites and sips
• Avoid talking when eating
• After eating a meal or snack, check the inside of the cheeks for any food pocketing (avoid bacteria staying in the mouth)
• Visit your dentist regularly (at least once every 6 months)

Tips to improve dental visits

• Inform the dental office of your Parkinson’s disease symptoms. This will help the dentist and staff provide better treatment
• Schedule short dental appointments
• Plan and schedule dental appointments about 60 to 90 minutes after taking medication
• Review the details of your overall health and the medications you take with the dentist & staff
• Ask the dentist to adjust the dental chair that is comfortable for you
• Consider replacing broken old fillings, crowns and bridges, and ill-fitting dentures during the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Dental visits may become more difficult as Parkinson’s disease progresses.

An estimated 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease. There are ongoing researches on Parkinson’s disease. Currently, there is no cure. It is possible to have a good to a great quality of life living with Parkinson’s disease. Working with your medical doctor and following recommended therapies are important in successfully treating the symptoms.

Seeing your dentist regularly will help to maintain your oral and dental health. Dr. 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 Parkinson’s disease can be treated and controlled. Call our office for a dental exam at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

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.

Recommendations to prevent gum disease:

Periodontal disease can be prevented but it takes work. Here are 3 suggestions from Dr. Anna Lee on how to keep your smile healthy. 

·       Proper brushing 2 times per day and flossing daily

·       Use antibacterial toothpaste and mouth wash to kill bacteria

·       Visit your dentist at least 2 times per year or more for cleanings and checkups

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), these are some factors that may increase the risk of developing gum disease:

·       Poor dental health, poor oral hygiene

·       Smoking or chewing tobacco

·       Genetics

·       Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean

·       Pregnancy

·       Diabetes

·       Medications: steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, oral contraceptives

If you notice any signs and symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease, please contact Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Dr. Anna Lee can help to save your teeth.                             

   Good dental health is achievable!  Call and schedule a dental visit with Dr.Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or email drannalee1@gmail.com