During pregnancy, there are many unique physiologic changes that can have a detrimental effect on oral health.
Hormonal changes, morning sickness, poor diet, and an increased gag reflex are obstacles that can put the expectant mother at risk for tooth decay and gingivitis. Becoming knowledgeable regarding the causes of dental disease and adopting good oral hygiene practices are even more necessary at this time.
Don’t tell the school teachers, but YES!
Two ways chewing gum can aid in the cleaning of teeth: 1) Gum actually mechanically cleans teeth as you chew, and 2) Gum acts to promote saliva which can decrease the bacteria, decrease acidity, and remineralize teeth.
So, let me back up – Bacteria in the mouth produces lactic acid which causes a demineralization (cavity) of enamel – and gum helps fight all three!
Watch this video as Whoopie Goldberg Talks About Gum Disease on The View.
Gum disease or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that causes loss of bone support surrounding the teeth. The primary etiology consist of certain species of bacteria, while secondary factors include genetics, hormones, medications, smoking, alcohol, stress, diabetes, obesity, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and poor diet.
The Link Between the Mouth and the Body
New research is available showing how infection from the teeth and gums is directly related to illnesses in the rest of the body.
Bacterial infections in the mouth can be a major factor in the development of several systemic diseases. These new risk factors have disproven the fallacy that the mouth is a separate entity when compared to the entire body. These findings also allow dentists and physicians to join together in treatment modalities for the betterment of their patient’s overall health.
7 Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are unfortunate tangibles of life and have proven to be inevitable in today’s active lifestyles. The baseball to the face or the elbow to the lip usually happens at the most inopportune time, adding havoc to an already busy schedule.
Emergencies, including injuries, pain, and swellings, can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. The common theme in this post is simple: SEE YOUR DENTIST! But, what do you do in the meantime? And, what if your dentist office is not open or you can’t get an answer on the emergency line? Read on for information on what to do in these ill-timed situations.
Several people have informed me that they periodically suffer from bad breath but have never been instructed on how to treat it. Bad breath, or halitosis, can cause self-esteem and self-confidence issues, and many are embarrassed to discuss the matter at their regular dental visits. It’s a sore subject, but the good news is that the condition is not permanent and totally treatable!
Here are a few easy tips to bring back the “freshness”:
Toothbrushes are the first line of defense against dental decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, but due to claims of advertising, many people are unsure of which one to buy.
There are two types: manual and mechanical. Manual toothbrushes originated in the 1600′s, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the nylon-bristled brushes we use today were invented. Mechanical toothbrushes were created in the mid-1900′s, and in 1987, the rotary electrical brush was developed. Research shows that there is no conclusive evidence that one is better than the other in normal situations.
Many people experience headaches (migraines), jaw pain, and sore teeth, and this could be directly related to the way their teeth come together. If the jaw joint (or TMJ) is not in its most comfortable (or orthopedically correct) position when one bites down, joint pain (clicking and popping, limited range of motion, etc), muscle soreness (sore jaw and neck muscles), and overfunctioning of 
teeth (fractures, worn teeth, advancing gum problems, mobile teeth, etc) may develope.
An unbalanced bite may place teeth at a higher risk for poor performance and can cause unsightly changes to one’s smile. Recognizing bite problems in the early stages increases the probability that teeth will remain esthetic, healthy, and function properly as one ages.
This question has recently become more and more popular as materials, techniques, and success rates continue to improve. Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve and blood supply of a tooth becomes irreversibly damaged. This is usually caused by bacteria (large cavity), but may also be caused by trauma or tooth fractures. An implant is a “screw” that goes into the bone with a crown attached (cemented or screwed). Implants are the treatment of choice for missing teeth. Both procedures have greater than a 90% success rate, offer great esthetics, function normally, and have mild post-operative discomfort.
When a tooth is irreversibly infected, two options exist: 1) Save the tooth with a root canal, or 2) extract the tooth and place an implant, if desired.
So which is better? Since some root canals fail, should I just go ahead and get the implant? Or, why pay more money for an implant if I can save my tooth?
One of the main reasons patients hate visiting the dentist, besides fear, pain, and money is being numb all day. It’s almost inevitable that the dental visit will fall on a day where something else gets planned - and you have to be at your very best while hiding the fact that your lip feels like the size of a grapefruit.
Anesthetics in dentistry are a much needed necessity; we tend to lose friends if we don’t use them. But does it have to last all day? Wouldn’t it be nice to go to the dentist on your lunch break then return to work without the speech impediment and constant drooling?
We finally have the answer!
