Tag: gingivitis

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.

Happy Mother and Baby With Tooth Brushes After Healthy PregnancyPre-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.

Healthy Foods To Eat While PregnantFood 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.

Stop Cavities In Their Tracks

How to Prevent Cavities If You Like Sweets

The good news is that cavities are preventable. Thanks to years of education from parents, teachers, and dentists, we know that eating candy and drinking sugary drinks can contribute to cavities. For those who enjoy the taste of sugar, (and who doesn’t), satisfying a sweet tooth can lead not only to cavities, but also more serious health issues like gingivitis, and the feelings of guilt you feel every time from indulging. At Northgate Dental we believe that by following a few common sense practices, those who like sugar can maintain healthy teeth. Here are seven tips that can help prevent cavities if you have a sweet tooth.

  1. Brush with fluoride twice a day
  2. Floss your teeth daily
  3. Visit your dentist every six months
  4. Avoid sugary snacks
  5. Eat tooth-healthy foods
  6. Consider dental sealants for kids
  7. Apply fluoride treatments after teeth cleaning

Stopping Gingivitis and the Development of Plaque

Gingivitis — an inflammation of the gums — is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become periodontitis and cause permanent damage to your gums and the bone supporting the teeth.

What Toothpastes Should I use to Fight Cavities?

Young Girl Brushing TeethThe most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Its use has been instrumental in the dramatic drop in tooth decay and cavity occurrence that has taken place over the past 50 years. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches that remain on your teeth after eating. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from the acid that is released when this happens. It does this in two ways. First, fluoride makes your tooth enamel stronger and less likely to suffer acid damage. Second, it reverses the early stages of acid damage by solidifying areas that have started to decay. Frequent brushing can make a big difference in the fight against tooth decay.

Dental Sealants For Kids Can Help

The American Dental Association recommends that kids receive dental sealants as soon as their adult teeth erupt. Dental sealants are a quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive solution for preventing cavities. They are thin coatings applied to the biting surfaces that help prevent bacteria and other debris from getting into the deep crevices on the teeth. Young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in and kids are notoriously bad brushers and tend to ignore the problem areas in the back of the mouth that lead to cavities and decay.

Let us know how we can help keep your family smiling.