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!

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

What is Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)?

                         

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is known as "burning tongue (or lips) syndrome."  It is a chronic dental condition that is often described as a burning sensation felt on the tongue, lips, cheeks, the roof of the mouth and the back of the mouth or throat.  For some patients, the discomfort is constant that lasts for months or years, while others may suffer from occasional discomfort.  The intensity of discomfort varies from person to person because the syndrome affects everyone differently.  BMS affects both men and women, but it seems to be more common in women during or after menopause.

The exact cause of BMS is unclear and is still being researched.  Dentists and physicians work together may recommend medications and treatment plans to provide relief of symptoms.
Signs & symptoms of BMS
Burning sensation on the tongue, lips, cheeks, the roof of the mouth, back of the mouth or throat
Dry or sore mouth
Tingling or numb sensation throughout the mouth and tongue
A bitter or metallic taste
Causes of BMS

The possible causes of BMS are many and complex.  Many patients have multiple causes.
Dry mouth
-use of certain medications for treating high blood pressure, Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease), antidepressants and other medications may cause dry mouth
Oral conditions
-oral yeast infection (thrush) is a common cause of a burning mouth
-geographic tongue causes dry mouth, sore, patchy tongue
Irritating dentures
-materials used to fabricate dentures may cause allergy reaction in some patients
-dentures may place stress on some muscles and tissues of the mouth
Oral habits
-tongue thrusting
-teeth grinding (bruxism) can irritate the mouth
-excessive brushing of the tongue
-allergic reactions to the ingredients in the toothpaste or mouthwash

Other medical and health conditions have been linked to burning mouth syndrome:
Nutritional deficiency-vitamin B, iron, zinc
Endocrine disorders-diabetes, hypothyroidism
Hormonal imbalances in women during and after menopause
Reflux of stomach acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease)-the sour or bitter-tasting fluid that enters the mouth from the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract may cause irritation and pain in the mouth
Neuropathy-damage to nerves that control taste and pain in the tongue may cause a burning sensation in the mouth
Allergy-allergic reactions to foods, food flavorings, food additives, dyes or other substances
Psychological problems-depression and anxiety may contribute to the development of BMS
Treatment of burning mouth syndrome
Identifying all the causes is important for the dentist and physician to develop a treatment plan to treat the patient.
Dry mouth-the dentist may advise that you drink more fluids or may suggest saliva replacement products
Oral thrush-treat with oral antifungal medications
Irritating dentures-polish sharp edges of broken partials/dentures, replace broken teeth and make sure the dentures fit well in the mouth
Oral habits-wear a night guard for teeth grinding at night
Eliminate the use of mouthwash, tobacco, acidic liquids (fruit juice), soda, coffee for 2 WEEKS, and see if there is any improvement.

If the dentist determines that no oral conditions are causing the burning sensation in the mouth, consult with the physician.  The physician may order blood tests to look for other medical and health conditions that may be the cause of the burning sensation.
Helpful Tips to soothe the burning sensation
Chew sugarless gum
Sip water or suck on ice chips
Avoid alcohol, tobacco products, smoking cigarettes
Avoid hot or spicy foods
Avoid acidic foods (citrus foods and juices)

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.  If you have symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome, call our office for a dental checkup.  Call our office at 626-335-5114 for a dental appointment or visit us at     www.annaleedds.com.

Some of the reasons women are under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed with sleep apnea may be:

·       Female patients talk to their general practitioner about their sleep problem instead of a sleep specialist.

      General practitioner has preconceived notions about what and how typical sleep apnea patient should be like. Example: male, overweight, snore loudly.

·       Female patients are less likely to report loud, chronic snoring.

·       

     Women’s symptoms are often different, NOT “classic”, and ambiguous

-snoring is usually much lighter

-breathing problems during sleep more subtle

·       Female patients report different symptoms than men that may lead to misdiagnosis of other disorders:

·       Some of the different, NOT “classic”, ambiguous symptoms:

-fatigue, insomnia, headaches, mood disturbances, anemia, hypochondria, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, depression, and menopausal changes

Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, is a trained dentist in Sleep Apnea.  Visit www.glendorasleep.com

Women and Sleep Apnea

Typical Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients are usually men who are overweight and snore loudly with choking or gasping sounds at night.  There are over 20 million American adults suffer with OSA. While obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men, many women suffer from OSA as well.  Men are twice more likely to have sleep apnea than women, but men are diagnosed with the condition almost 8 times more often than women.   Are women with sleep apnea under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed? What are the symptoms and health risk factors of sleep apnea in women? What are the treatment options?

                  Under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis for women with sleep apnea

Women with sleep apnea are often diagnosed for other sleep disorders instead of sleep apnea. According to the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialist, Dr. Angie Randazzo, at St. Lukes Sleep Medicine & Research Center, “Women often don’t have the stereotypical body type and don’t always say they are sleepy.  Many will say they are fatigued, leading clinicians to think they have insomnia versus OSA.”

For more information on sleep apnea and women, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team!