Coronavirus

                                         

At Dr. Anna Lee's dental office, your health and the health of our staff are of the utmost importance.  To ensure your health and the health of our staff, we follow universally accepted precautions in our operatories and office. Additionally, every half hour to an hour we wipe down the waiting room and common spaces with disinfectant.

For the protection of all our patients and staff due to the recent outbreak of coronavirus, we are requesting the following:

• If you have an illness or are exhibiting symptoms, we recommend you cancel and reschedule your dental appointment. Some illness and symptoms include:
• a cold or the flu
• fever or nausea
• severe headaches or body aches
• muscle or stomach pain, chest pain or difficulty breathing
• vomiting or diarrhea
• active tuberculosis (TB)
• mumps, measles, chickenpox
• other contagious disease
• Please notify our staff before your appointment if you or someone you are in close contact with have recently traveled to one of the countries with large outbreaks of COVID-19 (ex. China, Italy, Iran, South Korea) or if you have been exposed to someone else who was diagnosed with COVID-19 or who was quarantined as a precaution.

If you are healthy, there’s no need to cancel your regularly scheduled dental appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us immediately.   The below links provide additional information regarding the coronavirus:

• World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov

Our team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated information when warranted.  Thank you for your patronage.

Sincerely,

Anna Lee, D.D.S. & Staff

Oral and Dental Care for Patients with Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. The most common thyroid problems are involved with the overproduction and underproduction of thyroid hormones. A thyroid gland that produces too much hormone is called hyperthyroidism and not enough production is called hypothyroidism.
There are dental risks treating patients with uncontrolled thyroid disease. Patients with hyperthyroidism can have elevated blood pressure and pulse. It is dangerous to perform dental procedures on patients with elevated blood pressure. Regular communication between the dentist and patients’ physician is important in helping the patients to maintain and control the thyroid disease.
Some effects of Thyroid Disease on Dental Health:

• Dry mouth

▪ decrease saliva production

▪ mouth sores, tooth decay and difficulty swallowing

• Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

▪ middle-aged women or women in menopause develop BMS

▪ burning sensation on the tongue or the lips or the whole mouth

▪ bitter or metallic taste

▪ treatment for thyroid disease can improve the symptoms of BMS

Some Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism on oral and dental health

• Salivary gland enlargement

• Compromised periodontium (gum infection)

• Dysgeusia (distortion of the sense of taste)

• Delayed dental eruption

• Enamel hypoplasia (thin enamel, vulnerable to dental decay)in primary and permanent dentition

• Anterior open bite (upper and lower front teeth don’t touch)

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

• Mouth breathing

Some Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism on oral and dental health

• Increased dental decay risk

• Increased periodontal disease risk

• Burning Mouth Syndrome

• Accelerated dental eruption

• Maxillary and mandibular osteoporosis

Recommendations on treating patients with Thyroid Disease

• Regular communication between the dentist and patients physician

• Update the patient’s medical history at every dental visit

▪ patient’s medication (list of medications currently taking)

▪ blood test (thyroid) ordered by the physician

• Take blood pressure at the start and end of the dental treatment

• Patients with elevated blood pressure and pulse

▪ postpone the dental treatment

▪ use local anesthetics without epinephrine

• Patients with dry mouth

▪ xylitol products in toothpaste, mouth rinse, and chewing gum prevent tooth decay and dry mouth

• Review dental home care

• Regular dental checkups

▪ dental exams and cleanings 2 times per year

▪ x-rays as needed

• Remind the patient to follow up with their physicians

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. With proper medical and dental care, symptoms of Thyroid Disease can be monitored, maintained and well-controlled. Please call our office at 626-335-5114      to schedule a dental checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com.

Dental Plaque and Tartar

Patients frequently ask the question at their hygiene appointment about the difference between plaque and tartar. We all have dental plaque and some tartar build-up. Some people may have more tartar build up faster than others. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and along the gum line after eating foods. As plaque forms and is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it can harden and calcify into tartar. Plaque on the tooth surface gives a fuzzy and sticky feeling. Tartar is described as rough on the tooth surface. Both dental plaque and tartar are harmful to the teeth and periodontal health and may lead to dental decay and periodontal disease.

Dental Plaque

• a sticky, colorless or pale yellow film of bacteria that is formed on and between the teeth and along the gum line after eating foods 
• begins forming on the teeth about 4-12 hours after brushing
• bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel causing dental decay
• bacteria in plaque on the gum line cause early stage of gum disease, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) 
• cause bad breath 
• teeth look dingy and yellow
• Causes of plaque: plaque develops when foods containing sugars and starches are left on the teeth after eating. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods and produce acids that attack the tooth surface and below or at the gum line. As a result, plaque may cause dental decay, periodontal disease or possible tooth loss

Tartar (dental calculus)

• hardened or calcified plaque (deposit or build-up) that attaches to the enamel on the teeth
• hardened or calcified plaque (deposit or build-up) that attaches above or below the gum line
• yellow or brown deposit or build up between teeth, above or below the gum line
• tartar is rough and attaches at or below the gum line and can cause receding gums, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and dental decay
• Causes of tartar: plaque is not removed regularly, lack of tooth brushing, lack of flossing between teeth, poor dental hygiene and lack of dental checkups and dental cleanings

Prevention

• brush thoroughly at least twice a day for 2 minutes to remove plaque from all surfaces of the teeth
• floss daily to remove plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line
• limit sugary or starch foods, especially sticky snacks
• schedule at least 2 regular dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups each year
• proper brushing and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Once tartar has formed, only the dentist or dental hygienist can remove it professionally

Treatment

• the procedure for removing tartar is called scaling and root planing
• ultrasonic and hand scalers are used to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth, above and below the gum line

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. Please call our office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental cleaning and checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com.

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

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

Dental and oral care for Diabetic Patients

An estimated 30.3 million Americans live with diagnosed diabetes. Approximately 1.7 million new cases are diagnosed each year and 8.1 million people live with diabetes and don’t even know they have it. Having good oral and dental care is essential for patients with diabetes. Research suggests people with diabetes are at higher risks of oral and dental problems, such as periodontal disease, oral infections, tooth decay, delayed healing of oral sores, and other problems. Medically, patients with diabetes are at higher risks of problems with the eyes, nerves, kidney, heart and other parts of the body.

What is diabetes?  Diabetes affects the body’s ability to process sugar. 

• Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
• Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and it is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. 

Symptoms of untreated diabetes affect oral and dental health

• Dry mouth (less production of saliva)
• Higher risk of dental decay due to less saliva in the mouth
• Inflamed and bleeding gums
• Problems of tasting foods
• Delayed wound healing in the mouth
• Susceptible to infections inside of the mouth

Periodontal disease and diabetes

Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease affecting patients with diabetes. Diabetic patients have poor blood sugar control, and it causes the patients to be more susceptible to oral infections and gum diseases.

*July 2013 issue of JADA (Journal of American Dental Association) wrote findings on the latest research into how gum disease could affect diabetes. 

They found that, compared with those with healthy gums, people with severe gum disease:

• Have higher long-term blood sugar levels (A1c);
• Might be at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes;
• Maybe at a higher risk of developing pregnancy diabetes;
• Have a harder time controlling their type 2 diabetes;
• Are at a higher risk of experiencing harm to eyes and kidney, as well as heart attack and stroke if they have diabetes

*JADA 144 (7) http://jada.ada.org July 2013

 Diabetes and oral health issues

• According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from dry mouth and/ or to develop a fungal infection in the mouth
• Dry mouth can be a side effect of medications patients take to control diabetes. Dry mouth increases the chance of developing oral infection and/ or dental decay
• High blood sugar levels and high sugar levels in the saliva create an ideal environment for plaque to grow. Excess plaque increases the risks of oral infection and periodontal disease 
• inflammation, sensitivity, and irritation along the gums 
• taste buds do not work as well
• wounds or mouth sores may have delayed healing

Dental health care/Dental considerations for people with diabetes

• Best time to receive dental care is morning appointment because blood glucose levels tend to be under better control at this time of the day
• Dental procedures should be as short and as stress-free as possible
• Dentists and staff are trained to work with diabetic patients. The dental office should have a protocol for managing diabetic patients
• Coordination with the patient’s physician may be needed to determine the patient’s health status and determine whether the dental treatment can be safely and effectively performed
• Elective dental treatment may need to be delayed until the diabetes is considered stable
• Review the patient’s medical history, medications, take vital signs, and oral evaluation

Recommendation of dental treatment for diabetic patients

• Oral examination and teeth cleaning 2x/year. Your dentist may recommend more than 2 cleanings per year depending upon your periodontal condition
• Patients with diabetes may benefit from periodontal therapy (scaling and root planning) in conjunction with good oral health maintenance at home

Everyday dental care tips

• Keep blood sugar as close to normal as possible
• Reduce sugars and starches from your diet, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly
• If you have dry mouth, try a mouthwash without alcohol
• Brush your teeth at least 2x/day. Brush your teeth after every meal. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing to protect any tooth enamel that’s been softened by the acid in the food
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day 
• Rinse daily with an antiseptic mouth wash
• Treat dental infections immediately. 
• Provide your medical and oral health history to both your medical and dental care providers
• Quit smoking

Medical complications of Patients with Diabetes

Diabetic patients with elevated levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) can increase the incidence and severity of complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, amputations, and other medical problems. 

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 are pre-diabetic or have been diagnosed with diabetes, don’t wait and call our office for a dental and oral evaluation. With proper medical and dental care, both diabetes and periodontal disease can be treated and be well under control. Call our office at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com