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

How to Avoid Gum Recession?

You deserve to have a smile that lasts a lifetime. Gum recession does not have to be the end of your healthy smile. 

                          

·       Stop overly aggressive brushing-your cosmetic dentist & office staff can demonstrate the proper technique of brushing and flossing.

·       

      Use only soft bristled toothbrushes.

·       

      Practice good oral hygiene-brush 2x/day & flossing daily; visit your cosmetic dentist every 3, 4, or 6 months for professional cleaning.

·       Avoid putting or chewing any foreign objects in the mouth to prevent dental injury to the gums.

·       

     Wear a night guard-some dentists think that clenching/grinding teeth may cause gum recession.

·       

     Consult with your cosmetic dentist for possible orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth and bite. Straight teeth and proper occlusion may prevent gum recession.

The best way to prevent gum recession is to take good care of your teeth and gums.  Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your cosmetic dentist at least twice a year is recommended.  

If you experience any dental problem or tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment with the Glendora cosmetic dentist,  Dr. Anna Lee, for a consultation. She can be reached at 626-335-5114 or email drannalee1@gmail.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY!

                God Bless America!

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Meeting & Greeting the dentist, the hygienist & staff:

The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment.  It gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist, the hygienist and the staff.   You should expect the dentist or hygienist to do the following:

·   review your child’s medical history

·      respond to your questions and concerns

·      talk about your child’s overall oral health, including: development, teething, bite, oral habits, prevention of tooth decay, and other oral health issues

For more information on the first dental visit for your child, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team today.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding? How Bleeding Gums Can Effect Cosmetic Dentistry?

One of the reasons new patients come for a dental visit is that they have noticed bleeding gums.  The question is:

            Is it normal that my gums bleed when I brush and floss? 

The answer is: No, it is not normal and not healthy to have bleeding gums.  There are different reasons that gums may start to bleed during brushing or flossing; some are temporary and some can develop into more serious stages of periodontal disease. 

Is it normal for my gums to be swollen or puffy?

The answer is: No, it is not normal. Puffy and swollen gums are a sign that your gums are not healthy and that there is a problem. Visiting the dentist can help determine how much of a problem you are facing.

For more information on periodontal disease and other gum diseases contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits?

Do you brush once in a while? Do you mean to floss but never really get around to it? This can lead to a multitude of problems for your smile, including bleeding gums, Gingivitis, periodontal disease, missing or broken teeth. Here are 4 habits you may have that cause bleeding gums and impact your smile,

•      inadequate oral hygiene-people don’t brush and floss daily

•      research shows that healthy gums can become diseased gums within 24 to 36 hours of not brushing and caring for oral tissues properly

•      plaque on teeth and gum line, see red, swollen, bleeding gums

•      traumatize the gums with a hard bristle toothbrush would cause the gums to swell and bleed. Be gentle to the gums!

Final Note:  Dr. Lee does not recommend cosmetic dentistry for patients who have bleeding gums. Gum tissues have to be healthy prior to any dental treatment.  Bleeding gums can cause problem when a tooth is restored with a tooth-colored filling (bonding) or a tooth-color crown restoration (porcelain crown or porcelain veneer). Bleeding gums can leak into the tooth-colored filling or cement of the tooth-colored crown and cause discoloration.  Filling or crown restoration would have to be replaced or re-do.

If you have experienced bleeding gums or other periodontal problems, please call Dr. Anna Lee for a consultation at 626-335-5114 or email at drannalee1@gmail.com