Pregnancy & Oral Health

6th August 2019 Dentistry Comments Off on Pregnancy & Oral Health

Pregnancy means big changes in your body and your lifestyle.  Remember that it’s just as important to take care of your teeth and gums as it is the rest of you.  Growing evidence suggests a link between gum disease and premature, underweight births.  Pregnant women who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.  During your pregnancy, your teeth and gums need special attention.  Regular brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly will help reduce dental problems that accompany pregnancy.

Changes in hormone levels increase the risk of oral health tissues.

Morning sickness is a part of pregnancy for many women.  It also brings up concerns about oral health and pregnancy, as the acid from your stomach can be strong enough to contribute to tooth erosion.  Although you may be tempted to brush your teeth immediately after a bout of morning sickness, the best thing you can do to protect your enamel is to rinse with a mouthwash or swish with baking soda and water afterward.

Pregnancy gingivitis occurs more frequently during pregnancy because the increased level of hormones exaggerates the way gums react to the irritants in plaque.

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Oral Health & Heart Disease

6th August 2019 Dentistry Comments Off on Oral Health & Heart Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth.  It is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque build-up.  In some patients who are susceptible to gum disease, the body overreacts to the bacteria around the gums and cause too much inflammation.  In others, the inflammation doesn’t clear up properly.  The result of the intense gum inflammation is that it also affects the bloodstream and is believed to slowly damage blood vessels in the heart.

Poor oral health can induce bacteremia.

The American Heart Association states that you need antibiotics before dental treatment if you have:

  • History of rheumatic fever
  • History of a heart operation or related procedures
  • Any heart defects that you were born with
  • Heart valve disease.
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Dry Mouth Syndrome

6th August 2019 Dentistry Comments Off on Dry Mouth Syndrome

Dry mouth is a condition that results from a decreased volume of saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth is also called xerostomia. Xerostomia can make it difficult to speak, eat and digest food and can lead to malnutrition. Extreme dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction can produce significant anxiety, permanent mouth and throat disorders, and can impair a person’s quality of life.

Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth

Saliva is an essential part of a healthy mouth and is often taken for granted.  The lubricating properties of saliva provide comfort and help protect the oral tissues against ulcers, sores and other frictional movements that accompany normal eating and speaking. Saliva neutralizes acids and helps defend against tooth decay, and bacterial, viral, or fungal threats.  Saliva is also a very essential contributor to a person’s ability to taste, as it acts as a solvent for the taste stimuli.  When saliva volume is insufficient, all of these functions are impaired.

Here are some tips to minimize dry mouth:

  • Sipping water often and during meals
  • Avoid coffee, tea and some sodas
  • Chew sugar-free gum
  • Avoid tobacco and alcohol
  • Good oral hygiene
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Diabetes & Oral Health

6th August 2019 Dentistry Comments Off on Diabetes & Oral Health

Diabetes is a serious disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy.  Normally, insulin helps get sugar from the blood to the body’s cells, where it is used for energy.  When you have diabetes, your body has trouble making and/or using insulin, so your body does not get the fuel it needs, and your blood sugar stays too high.  High blood sugar sets off processes that can lead to complications, such as heart, kidney, and eye disease, or other serious problems.

Gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise.

If diabetes is left untreated, it can take a toll on your mouth as well.  Here’s how:

  • Less saliva which leads to dry mouth.
  • Higher risk of cavity.
  • Gingivitis.
  • You may have problems tasting food.
  • Delayed wound healing.
  • Susceptible to infections.
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