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The Importance of Dental Care During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is such a joyous time in life. Your family is growing, you’re going to be parents, and you’ve never been more excited. You always make sure to schedule and keep your doctor appointments for the care and health of both yourself and your baby. Are you scheduling and keeping your dental appointments as well?

Keeping up with your oral health at my Douglasville dental office during your pregnancy is not only beneficial for your health, it’s also beneficial for your baby. The American Academy of Periodontology encourages moms to see their dentist as early in pregnancy as possible. And I have to agree.

If you are experiencing vomiting with morning sickness, it is important that you brush your teeth more frequently to prevent stomach acid from damaging your tooth enamel. But that’s not all.

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, changes during pregnancy, especially hormonal changes, can exacerbate oral health issues. For example, almost half of all pregnancies are plagued by the dangers of pregnancy gingivitis. Concerns about this oral health issue are greatly lessened when monitored by your Douglasville dentist, and the gingivitis usually subsides shortly after giving birth. However, if visits to my Douglasville dental office are avoided, and treatment is not received when needed, pregnancy gingivitis can progress into a more serious problem and even a potentially scary situation for the baby.

If pregnancy gingivitis is left untreated and progresses into periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, it could lead to preterm labor and a low birth-weight baby– both serious pregnancy complications. In fact, mothers who have periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have preterm labor.

Regular dental care is important all the time, and even more so during pregnancy. Maintaining visits at my dental office in Douglasville is not only safe for expecting moms, it’s encouraged for the oral health of moms-to-be, the health of the baby, and a safe pregnancy.

5 Surprising Ways You’re Ruining Your Teeth

You know that it’s important to brush at least twice a day. You know I always recommend that you floss at least once a day. And you know the importance of keeping up with your regularly scheduled visits at my dental office in Douglasville. But there are some everyday things that you may be doing that could cause damage to your smile, and you don’t even know it!

Your Toothbrush

Yes, your toothbrush can be causing some undesired results if you don’t brush correctly or use the right type. If you brush hard or use vigorous, horizontal strokes, you can actually wear away your enamel. Using a brush with hard bristles can also cause damage. At my Douglasville dental office we traditionally recommend using soft bristles and brushing in small circles, instead.

Whitening

Teeth whitening is a safe way to get a brighter, whiter smile. The problem arises when the whitening is done too often. Excessive whitening can lead to irritation, sensitivity, and even a smile that’s too white. Yes, it’s possible to have a too white smile! If you’re interested in professional whitening, the best place to start is right here at my dental office in Douglasville.

Using Teeth as Tools

We’ve all been there; we’ve all done it. That pesky bag of chips that won’t open. The stubborn packing tape that refuses to rip. Instead of reaching for the scissors for safe and easy opening, we pull the troublesome item to our mouths and use our teeth as convenient tools. Using your teeth as tools can lead to broken teeth, damaged restorations, and injuries to the soft tissues in your mouth.

Playing Without a Mouth Guard

If you play a contact sport – professionally, in high school, on an adult league, anytime, anywhere – you need to have a mouth guard. We prefer you use a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist in Douglasville as they are designed and created specifically for you and protect your smile better than “boil-and-bite” guards found at the store, and are more comfortable.

Chewing Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are hard. Hard enough to chip away the enamel on your teeth or even lead to a broken tooth if chewed. Also, using your teeth to crunch those floating chunks of ice in your lemonade could compromise restorations.

Whether you’re guilty of any of these habits or not, keeping your smile healthy and beautiful requires a mix of a healthy at-home routine, knowing what can cause damage to your teeth and avoiding these culprits, and maintaining visits with your Douglasville dentist. If you’re due for your checkup, or if you happen to have a dental emergency caused by these dental dangers, give my dental office a call. We’re here to keep you smiling!