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. 

Why should you clean your tongue?

A good oral care regimen consists of brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Brushing your tongue is also very important as part of your daily dental care regimen. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests the use of tongue cleaners to scrape away excess plaque and odor-causing bacteria on the tongue after brushing your teeth. 

Why should you clean your tongue?

The tongue has a rough surface that is full of peaks and troughs that are the perfect place to harbor plaque and odor-causing bacteria. Bacteria on the tongue can easily transfer to the teeth and cause damage as well as creating bad breath. Excess plaque and odor-causing bacteria on the tongue is one of the leading causes of bad breath. 

How to clean your tongue?

• Use of a toothbrush brushing the tongue is about removing the bacteria at both the front and the back of the tongue
• Put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush bristle, start at the back of the tongue and work forward toward the tip of the tongue
• Brush the entire top surface of the tongue 
• Use gentle pressure. Stop if it irritates the tongue
• Rinse your mouth with water and mouth wash
• Clean the toothbrush after cleaning the tongue

*some toothbrushes have a built-in tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head.

1. Tongue scraper-it is made of soft, flexible plastic and it gently peels the thin mucus based layer of debris from the tongue

• Rinse the tongue scraper under clean water (moist)
• Stick your tongue out
• Begin gently scraping your tongue from the back of the tongue towards the tip of the tongue with gentle pressure
• Rinse the tongue scraper after each use to remove the bacteria
• Rinse your mouth with water and mouth wash

How often to clean your tongue?

• Each time you brush and floss your teeth 
• At a minimum, clean your tongue in the morning and the evening before bedtime
• Clean your tongue if you have dry mouth or notice a foul taste in the mouth

Benefits of cleaning your tongue

• A clean tongue can also improve your sense of taste. Bacteria and food debris can coat the tongue after eating, which can clog the taste buds and leave a metallic taste in your mouth. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that cleaning away the bacteria on the tongue improves the taste sensation. 
• According to the National Institutes of Health, cleaning the tongue with a tongue scraper reduces the foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds on the tongue that cause bad breath.

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 bad breath, don’t’ wait and call our office for a dental and oral evaluation. With proper dental care, you can enjoy fresh breath and good oral health.  Call our office at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

Is Your Toothbrush Causing A Re-occurring Cold In Your Family?

Cold season is upon us and it is not uncommon for your kids to be sick over and over again. You may blame it on the weather, their friends, the school or that they may not have worn a coat when they went outside, but it may not be any of those things. It may be their toothbrush. It is critical to switch out their toothbrush if they have been sick and here’s the reason why.

While most dentists tell you that the bacteria on your toothbrush will die out when it hits oxygen, if your toothbrush is not completely dry when your child uses it, it can cause them to get sick again. Or if their toothbrush is in the drawer or a container with their sibling’s toothbrush, the strain of whatever they just had could cause a problem for their sibling while they can now get the illness that the other sibling had. This back and forth re-infecting each other can cause a nightmare for your house.

While dentists recommend, you change out your children’s toothbrush every 3-5 months, if your kids are sick, it is better safe than sorry. Toss that one and reach for another. As a general rule, however, never let your children share their toothbrush with a sibling, and you may want to re-think keeping them in the same location.  It is better if the toothbrushes are not in contact with one another.

For more information on keeping your family healthy during the cold season & general dental care, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

Some Causes of Gum Recession

You deserve to have a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Spend time with a fantastic dentist that will improve your smile for a lifetime. Gum recession can be caused by multiple problems but there is always a solution. 

·       Periodontal diseases-bacterial gum infections that destroy gum tissue and supporting bone that hold the teeth in place. Periodontal disease is the main cause of gum recession.

·       

      Aggressive tooth brushing-brushing your teeth too hard or the wrong way may cause the enamel on the teeth to wear away and cause gum recession.

·       Toothbrush with hard bristles-may wear away enamel and cause gum recession. According to an article in the Journal of Periodontology Online, September 1993, the study showed that gingival recession was found to be more pronounced for subjects with a history of hard toothbrush use.

·       

     Poor oral hygiene-lack of brushing, flossing and rinsing the mouth cause calculus (tartar) build up between teeth and at the gum line which can lead to gum recession.

·       

      Traumatic injury to the teeth or gums may cause gum recession.  Ex: body piercing of the lip or tongue. Jewelry can rub the gums and irritate them and cause gum recession.

·       

     Clenching/grinding your teeth can put too much force on the teeth, causing gum recession.

·       

     Misaligned teeth and bite-When teeth do not occlude properly, too much force can be placed on the gums and bone and may lead to gum recession.

·       

     Genetics-If your parents have gum recession, you are at a higher risk for gum recession.

·       

I    f 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.