Pharmacy Phacts In this issue PharmD candidates discuss Oral Health and Preventing Eye Strain At Work

Oral Health Landon Forrest Stewart, PharmD Candidate 2021

Why is Oral Health important? Oral health is an important part of our overall health. Oral health issues can cause oral pain, increased costs in healthcare, and less productivity. Recent developments in oral hygiene have led to improved outcomes for patients. Many oral health issues are still prevalent today, but the good news is that many are preventable with daily healthy habits. Healthy habits are required to maintain good oral health and many oral health issues are still prevalent today.

One of the most common oral health problems is decay in the tooth also known as a cavity. The outer layer of the tooth is a tough mineral layer called the enamel. Bacteria group together on teeth to form plaques that can erode the enamel and the deeper layers of your teeth, causing cavities. Cavities are present and untreated in up to 26% up American adults. (1) If left untreated, they can lead to pain in the tooth and more severe infections known as an abscess.

Another common oral health problem is gum disease. When bacteria group together on the teeth, it causes the immune system to respond and causes inflammation in the mouth. The initial inflammation is called gingivitis and makes your gums swell and bleed more easily. Untreated gingivitis can progress to a more severe gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis can damage the structure that holds your teeth in place and is a common cause of tooth loss. (2)

How Can We Prevent Problems?

Good oral hygiene starts by establishing healthy routines that should be done every day. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaques that could damage them. You should brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice daily. Brushing should be done in short gentle strokes to avoid damaging your gums. You should also use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your gums. Both standard and electric toothbrushes are effective for brushing your teeth.

The toothpaste that you use for brushing your teeth should contain fluoride. Fluoride is an element that helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth to stop tooth decay. Most over the counter toothpastes will contain fluoride. Your dentist may also prescribe you a toothpaste that has more fluoride if they believe that is appropriate.

Flossing helps to remove bacteria and food that is between teeth that brushing alone cannot. Flossing should be done once a day and may be done at any time during the day.

It is important to see your dentist at least once a year. Some patients may need to see the dentist more often. Your dentist will make sure that your teeth are clean and check for cavities or signs of gum disease.

Good physical health is important for good oral health. Gum disease can also be caused by tobacco use or by diabetes. Tobacco cessation and maintaining your blood sugar goals are both important factors in maintaining good oral health.

Oral health has improved in recent years, but regular maintenance is still important in maintaining good oral health. Maintaining good oral health will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to pain and tooth loss. As mentioned above, a good health routine involves brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist at least once a year.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult oral health. 2020 Dec 2020 [cited 2021 April 2]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/index.html

2. Milone A, Williamson K, Hall M. Oral hygiene and minor oral disorders. In: DiPiro JT, Yee GC, Posey LM, Haines ST, Nolin TD, Ellingrod V, editors. Pharmacotherapy: A pathophysiologic approach. 11th ed. {AU Intranet; Access Pharmacy] New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2019 [cited 2021 April 2]. Chapter e15. Available from: https://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx? sectionid=219813874&bookid=2577&Resultclick=2#1179095982

Preventing Digital Eye Strain at Work

Kylee Clay, PharmD Candidate 2021

Have you ever had a headache, blurry vision, dry eyes, or neck or shoulder pain when you have been using your computer for a while? These can be symptoms of digital eye strain, which is an eye problem that develops from using a computer, tablet, or smartphone for too long. Due to the pandemic, we are increasingly using our digital devices for our daily activities, whether it be for work, staying in touch with loved ones, or for virtual healthcare, putting us at higher risk for digital eye strain.

Digital eye strain occurs because your eyes have to work harder when looking at a screen. This is due to the letters typically not being as sharp as when printed or because glares or reflections are on your screen. In 2014, 57% of adults said that they have experienced eye problems due to their technology use, and 59% said that their computer is the device that bothers them the most. If you are using your device for two or more continuous hours every day, then you are at the highest risk of experiencing digital eye strain. Having other vision problems that are not corrected can make the symptoms you experience worse. These vision problems include seeing nearby objects as blurry (farsightedness), objects blurred at any distance (astigmatism), or other age-related eye changes. The good news is that these eye strain symptoms typically go away when you take a break from the screen. Below are some ways you can lower your risk for digital eye strain while working from your computer in the future.

Setting Up Your Work Station

1. Place the center of your screen 20 to 28 inches away from your eyes with the top of the screen at eye level or slightly below.

2. Place other materials, such as documents you want to look at, above the keyboard and below the monitor. You should not need to move your head in order to look between the document and your computer screen.

3. Place your computer where it does not have any reflections on the screen. If this cannot be done, consider adding a screen filter to reduce these.

4. Adjust your chair height to where your feet are flat on the floor and your wrists are not on your keyboard.

5. Blink your eyes often to prevent dry eyes. Lubricating eye drops (commonly known as artificial tears) can help with this symptom if it develops.

While at Your WorkStation 1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes of using your computer you should look away from the screen for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.

2. After using your computer for two hours, take a 15-minute break.

3. Having glasses for computer use only may help as your regular daily use glasses may not be best for viewing screens.

4. Blue light glasses may help lower the effect of blue light on the eyes, but there is not clear evidence showing this works.

While these tips may lower your risk for digital eye strain, you should still see an eye doctor at least once a year for a regular checkup as well as if you experience any symptoms of eye strain. Happy digital viewing!

References 1.American Optometric Association (AOA) | Doctors of Optometry. Computer vision syndrome [Internet]. St. Louis (MO): American Optometric Association; cited 2021 Feb 26. Available from: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision- syndrome?sso=y

2.American Optometric Association (AOA) | Doctors of Optometry. Educate your community – digital eye strain: steps you can take for good eye and vision health [Internet]. St. Louis (MO): American Optometric Association; cited 2021 Feb 26. Available from: https://www.aoa.org/educate-your-community?sso=y

3.North Carolina Optometric Society. Digital eye strain [Internet]. Raleigh (NC): North Carolina Optometric Society; cited 2021 Feb 26. Available from: https://www.nceyes.org/digital-eye-strain

4.Rosenfield M, Li RT, Kirsch NT. A double-blind test of blue-blocking filters on symptoms of digital eye strain. Work. 2020;65(2):343-348.

5.Boyd, Kierstan. Lubricating eye drops for dry eyes [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): American Academy of Ophthalmology; 2021 Feb 21 [cited 2021 Mar 4]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lubricating-eye-drops

6.University of Kentucky: Work Anywhere. Easy ergonomic shortcuts [Internet]. Lexington (KY): University of Kentucky; cited 2021 Mar 4. Available from: https://workanywhere.uky.edu/easy-ergonomic-shortcuts

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