Tag: gum recession

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.

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 Soft Toothbrush Bristles Work Best For Sensitive Teeth According to Northgate Dentalusing 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?