Family Dentistry Archives - Eric B. Wong DDS

Helpful Tips Regarding Dental Health During Pregnancy

Most women understand how important it is to take care of themselves while they are pregnant. However, many women do not realize how important proper dental care is during pregnancy for the health of both the mother and the baby. Visiting the dentist before, during and after being pregnant is very important as well. Good hygiene during your pregnancy will help prevent infections, keep you comfortable and make you feel more refreshed, and most importantly, keep the baby healthy.

Dental disease can affect a developing baby. Research has found a link between gum disease in pregnant women and premature birth with low birth weight. Babies who are born prematurely may risk a range of health conditions including cerebral palsy and problems with eyesight and hearing. Estimates suggest that up to 18 out of every 100 premature births may be triggered by periodontal disease, which is a chronic infection of the gums. Appropriate dental treatment for the expectant mother may reduce the risk of premature birth.

Visiting Your Dentist

We recommend making a dentist appointment if possible before you are pregnant, or as early as possible in your pregnancy. We will check for tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems, and provide any treatment that is necessary. Women require special care and attention when pregnant, so be sure to tell your dentist when and if you are pregnant.

Pre-Pregnancy Dental Health

You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits. These include:

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.
Flossing between your teeth.
Visiting your dentist for regular checkups.
Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse can help prevent gingivitis.
Brush or scrape your tongue daily to help remove bacteria.
Eat nutritious meals and healthy snacks.

During Pregnancy Dental Health To Do’s

Dental health associated with pregnancy can make some women susceptible to the following problems:

Gingivitis (gum inflammation) Symptoms include swelling of the gums and bleeding.
Undiagnosed or untreated Periodontal Disease
Gastric Reflux (regurgitating food or drink) or the vomiting associated with morning sickness.
Some pregnant women find that brushing their teeth, particularly the molars, provokes gagging.
Try using a brush with a small head. Slow down your brushing action. It may also help to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Or try other distractions, such as listening to music.

Food Cravings While Pregnant

Some women experience unusual food cravings (and food avoidance) while they are pregnant. A regular desire for sugary snacks may increase your risk of tooth decay. Try to snack on low-sugar foods instead. If nothing but sweetness will satisfy your craving, try to sometimes choose healthier options such as fresh fruits. Rinse your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouth rinse, or brush your teeth after having sugary snacks.

Food Sources That Will Increase Your Calcium, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin C and Vitamin D During Pregnancy

You need to increase your daily amount of vitamins during pregnancy. Sufficient vitamins will protect your bone mass and meet the nutritional needs of your developing baby. Good sources of dietary vitamins include food products such as:

Milk
Cheese
Unsweetened yogurt
Calcium-fortified soymilk
Fortified margarine
Fatty fish, such as salmon
Eggs

We Love Helping Pregnant or Expecting Mothers Stay Healthy Before, During, and After Pregnancy

By seeing your dentist on a regular basis during your pregnancy, you can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor you and your baby’s oral health and recommend a dental health regimen to address any areas of concern. There’s no time like the present to take control and ensure that your oral health will be strong before, during and after your pregnancy.

If you’d like to discuss your oral health please contact us at Northgate Dental. We will be happy to help you with any advice we can. Or if you prefer, request a dental appointment instead and we’ll provide a free consultation. Our practice is built around your oral health, and we are ready to help.

Sensitive Teeth and How To Combat Them

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth gets thinner and exposes the underlying surface, known as dentin, reducing the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root causing pain. In healthy teeth, enamel protects this underlying layer of dentin, which is softer than enamel. The tooth roots are protected by gums. But if the enamel is worn down or if the gum line has receded, then the dentin becomes exposed. Cavities, cracked teeth, gum recession, enamel, and root erosion can all cause the dentin to be exposed. There are many types of treatment available to combat teeth sensitivity, but research shows that no single treatment option works for everyone. Rather a diagnosis of the reason for the sensitivity by your dentist is essential before treating tooth sensitivity. To combat sensitive teeth check out the video and try the listed options.

1. Don’t Brush Too Hard – Use a Softer Toothbrush

It’s possible that your tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. When you do this over time, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose dental nerves. When these nerves are exposed tooth sensitivity and discomfort can result. The simplest solution here is to switch to a softer bristled toothbrush and go a little easier when brushing.

2. Stop Eating Acidic Foods

If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods such as tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles can cause pain. For some, avoiding these foods can help avoid any tooth discomfort. You may have sensitive teeth if hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks bother you. Or if breathing in cold air makes your teeth sensitive. Also watch out for soda, sticky candy, and high-sugar carbs. All of these treats attack our enamel and gums, reducing protection. Instead, snack on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk, and plain yogurt.

3. Don’t Grind Your Teeth

Even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel. By doing so, you expose the dentin, or the middle layer of the tooth, which lead directly to your nerves and can cause pain. Ask your dentist about using a mouth guard to stop you from grinding. We have found that the best guards are custom-made to fit your bite.

4. Stop Using Tooth Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash Rinses

Many manufacturers add tooth-whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulas, and some people are more sensitive to them than others. If your toothpaste contains whitening agents, consider switching to one that doesn’t. Like whitening toothpaste, some over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive – especially if your dentin’s exposed, as noted earlier. Instead, try neutral fluoride rinses or simply skip the rinse and be more diligent about flossing and brushing.

5. You May Have Gum Disease – See Your Dentist

Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age (especially if you haven’t kept up with your dental health and do not see your dentist on a regular basis), can cause tooth sensitivity. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist will come up with a plan to treat the underlying disease, and may also suggest a procedure to seal your teeth.

6. If You Have a Cracked or Decaying Tooth – See Your Dentist

A chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain that goes beyond tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will need to evaluate your tooth and decide the right course of treatment, such as a crown or an extraction if the root is cracked. As you get older, fillings can weaken and fracture or leak around the edges. It’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid buildup and enamel breakdown. Be sure to see your dentist if you notice this type of tooth sensitivity.

We Love Helping Our Patients Stay Current With Their Oral Health

By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and recommend a dental health regimen to address areas of concern. There’s no time like the present to take control and ensure that your teeth will be beautiful, healthy and strong for years to come. If you’d like to discuss your family’s oral health please contact us at Northgate Dental. We will be happy to help you with any advice we can. Or if you prefer, request a dental appointment instead and we’ll provide a free consultation. Our practice is built around your smile. How can we help?

Making Oral Care Cool For Teens

Making oral hygiene important or “cool” for teens is no easy task. As any parent knows it can be difficult to get a teenager to practice good oral hygiene, or to even take out the garbage. The teenage years are full of distractions teeming with junk food, soda consumption, coffee, and sometimes an unwillingness to brush or floss on a daily basis. To motivate your teen’s interest in oral care try the following technology. Teens love tech and gadgets, so why not give it a shot. The important thing is to let your child or teen choose the item. If they like it, they will be more likely to use it.

The Electric Tooth Brush: This is a no-brainer since it’s easier and faster and techy, all three things that resonate with teens. You will have to pay more for this but it last longer than a toothbrush and is more effective.
The Water Flosser: Flossing the old-fashioned way can seem tedious. Using a water flosser or power flosser are easier and more fun! Even teenagers seem to love the idea of power washing their teeth.
The Shower Flosser: This makes it even more convenient to floss your teeth. Simply attach a unit to your shower head for mess-free flossing!
Natural Sweeteners: Many new snacks and candies contain a non-sugar sweetener which is effective in fighting off plaque and cavities. Research shows that xylitol protects teeth from decay so try some sugar-free sweetened gum or mints.

Things to Watch Out For With Your Kids Teeth

Here are a few things to keep an eye on when caring for your child’s teeth. Dark or brown spots on teeth, which can be cavities. Yellow stains on the teeth and along the gum line which could mean that teeth are not being cleaned properly. And also, redness or irritation of the gums or other tissues which implies that the affected areas are not being cleaned thoroughly or are experiencing an inflammatory reaction.

If you need ideas or guidance regarding how to teach or motivate your children to brush and floss and the importance of oral hygiene please contact Northgate Dental and ask us. We will be more than glad to help with any advice we can. Or if you prefer, just request an appointment and we will provide a free consultation for you and your child. Our practice is built around your smile.

Dental Health Care Starts Early

As family dentists we understand it’s never too early to start good oral hygiene habits and establish a thorough dental care routine, specifically brushing. This is essential in preparing your child for a future of great oral health. That’s why at Northgate Dental we enjoy helping patients of all ages stay current on their dental health, especially the dental needs of children as they age. Use this guide to help ensure that you are taking care of your child’s teeth the best way you can as they grow. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

The First Tooth

Children should start visiting the dentist at the arrival of their first tooth. And of course with teens and adults you can start instilling good habits as they grow and change. Inspiring young children to take care of their teeth is one of the best ways to ensure they will have strong teeth and a bright smile into adulthood. Parents and care givers can leave a huge impression on young minds and at Northgate Dental we find ways to encourage kids to take care of their teeth by making it fun and important to their well being.

The Beginnings of Good Dental Habits Start at Home

Before a child’s first tooth arrives, you can clean their gums by wiping them gently with soft gauze. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria in their mouth and will also help them get used to having their mouth cleaned on a regular basis. When the first teeth arrive, start brushing them by using a small, soft toothbrush and toothpaste preferably designed specifically for babies. You won’t need a large amount of toothpaste. Excess fluoride in your baby’s diet at this young age can cause permanent discoloration of their teeth. Consult with your dentist if you have any questions about what kind of toothbrush or toothpaste to use for younger children.

Encouraging Young Children To Brush and Floss

As children get older they’ll want to start brushing their own teeth. Special toothbrushes for the younger set are easier to grip and maneuver. With a special toothbrush, they’ll be more able to brush thoroughly and effectively. You’ll still want to help by giving them another brushing after they have brushed on their own to be sure the teeth are nice and clean.

Flossing is more difficult for young children, and can take time for them to learn. As family dentists we can help you find floss that make it easier for children to maneuver and use. These often come in fun shapes and bright colors that appeal to children, encouraging them to use them on a regular basis.