Smoking and The Risk To Your Smile

Cigarette Smoking causes a host of problems to your smile and to your health. Not only does smoking stain your teeth, you may have missing or broken teeth, gum disease and other problems. Here are 4 problems that smokers are at risk for,

•      smokers are at a higher risk of experiencing bleeding gums

•      inhaled smoke can leave irritating toxins on the teeth that can be difficult to remove through brushing or flossing 

•      toxins in the cigarettes cause the gums to become aggravated and bleed

•      bleeding gums allow the dangerous periodontal bacteria to invade the bloodstream and set up inflammation and disease in other parts of the body

Dr. Lee does not recommend cosmetic dentistry for patients who have bleeding gums. Gum tissues have to be healthy prior to any dental treatment.  For more information on how to quit smoking and other health related problems caused by smoking contact Dr.Lee and her team today.

Are You Stressed?

Stress can be a leading cause of several problems you face. While you are running around busy, cleaning up after kids, working at a full time job, cooking, cleaning and handling the day to day activities you may not feel how stressed you are but your smile does. Stress can cause you to feel tired, worn down, and unable to handle the problems that life is throwing at you, it can also cause,

•      inflammation in the blood vessels

•      inhibits healing of the body

•      increases vulnerability to bleeding gums and periodontal disease

For more information on stress and how it impacts your smile, contact Dr. Lee and her team today. 

If You are a Female: Pregnancy Gingivitis & Menstruation

During pregnancy, the hormones that are in your body leave you more susceptible to bleeding gums and Gingivitis.  It is important if you are pregnant that you visit the dentist regularly to ensure that you are not having any problems with your smile due to hormones. If you have bleeding or swollen gums, a cleaning can be exactly what your smile needs to get back on track.

Pregnancy gingivitis: Some pregnant women experience swollen and bleeding gums during pregnancy and hormonal changes during pregnancy alter the body’s response to the bacteria that causes gum disease. However, bleeding gums should clear up after pregnancy. If it does not clear up, it is recommended that you schedule a visit to the dentist in order to evaluate what is still causing your gums to bleed. As bleeding gums is not normal and should be taken care of right away.

Some women will have bleeding gums during menstruation.  This is due to some hormonal changes that increase the chances of bleeding gums during their menstrual cycle. While bleeding gums are not normal, this should also clear up after you are finished with your cycle.

For more information on causes of bleeding gums, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

4 Ways That Poor Nutrition Can Cause Bleeding Gums

The foods we eat not only impact your body, but they impact the overall health of your smile. Eating healthy foods that rinse food off of your teeth, keep your mouth moist and provide your body with the nutrients it needs, can help to ward off major problems with your smile. Poor nutrition can deprive the body of important nutrients and makes it difficult for the body to fight infection and bleeding gums.

While processed foods, high carbohydrates with starchy and sugary foods are bad for the oral health and can cause bleeding gums. Try to eat fruits and vegetables with nutritional supplements of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, and anti-inflammatories such as fish oil. These are all critical building blocks of good oral health.

Next time you are looking for a snack to tide you over for dinner reach for the red and yellow bell peppers or an apple and leave the chips alone. 

For more information on healthy eating, 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

Oral Hygiene Habits That Can Save Your Smile!

This time of year is full of happy trips, time with family and long vacations. But traveling can take its toll on your smile. You may have the best of intentions but find when you are on the road, you forget to brush, eat unhealthy food that sticks to your teeth and enjoy beverages that are high in sugar. But these tips can help you keep your smile healthy, during road trips and for a lifetime.

Maintain oral care routine

·      brush 2x per day, floss daily, use mouthwash

·      if unable to brush, rinse the mouth with water to help get rid of food from the mouth

·      take brushing breaks; take a moment to brush the teeth when stopping for bathroom breaks

·      if unable to keep up with brushing 2x/day, make sure to do a good job brushing and flossing at the end of the day

Foods to Avoid on the Road

·      eating sugary foods, sodas/sweet fruit juice

·      chewing ice, hard candy (avoid dental emergency)

Dr. Lee recommends people to schedule an appointment for a dental checkup and a cleaning before the trip.  The best way to start out the vacation is with a clean and healthy mouth.  Call Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup at 626-335-5114 or email at drannalee1@gmail.com

Keeping Up With Your Oral Hygiene Habits on the Road

Some people take time off with their family to travel during the summer months. Others delay their vacation time to the fall, winter or spring.  Whether it is just a short weekend road trip or a 2-week long camping trip, it can be challenging to have good oral hygiene while traveling on the road.  However, with some advance planning and following some of the oral health care tips, good oral health is achievable.

Here are some oral health care tips:

1.     Plan ahead and pack properly

·      pack travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash

·      toothbrush holder contains holes for ventilation and water drainage to prevent bacterial growth

·      disposable toothbrushes (Colgate Wisp), toothpaste & floss are convenient

·      bring extra supplies of  toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwashes, floss

2.     Eat Healthy Snacks

·      sliced fruits, raw vegetables (baby carrots), string cheese, granola bars, nuts, whole grain crackers

·      stay hydrated; drink water

·      chew sugarless gum with xylitol-increase saliva flow to remove food particles from the mouth

·      drink unsweetened green and black tea

Practicing great oral hygiene can ensure you have a smile that lasts a lifetime. For more information on dental tips, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team today!