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Pregnancy and your teeth
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is truly a delicate time for expectant women because of the drastic hormonal changes that affect practically every aspect of their bodies, including their oral health. During pregnancy, the risks of gum disease increases, which also puts the baby’s health at risk. This is why taking good care of teeth as well as gums is very important for pregnant women.
If you are still at the stage of planning to have a baby, do your best to have a dental checkup prior to your pregnancy to ensure that you receive professional teeth cleaning before getting pregnant. At the same time, the dentist will be able to examine your gum tissue and detect if there are any dental health problems that need to be treated.
For women who are already pregnant, eating right during pregnancy will not only benefit your baby but also your teeth. It is common to have cravings for sweets during pregnancy but avoiding sugary foods and keeping your snacking to a minimum is essential to prevent tooth decay. Be aware that the bacteria that forms tooth decay can be transmitted to your developing baby so it is crucial that you take care of your teeth. Start by learning more about tooth decay and how to prevent it.
Make sure to maintain a diet that is both healthy and balanced. Ideally, it should contain cheese, yogurt and other dairy products, all of which are excellent sources of essential minerals that help develop strong teeth and gums. A baby’s first set of teeth form during the pregnancy’s first trimester.
Needless to say, whether you’re pregnant or not, practicing good oral hygiene regularly will prevent or lessen oral health problems. However, if you have terrible morning sickness and the taste of your toothpaste just makes you feel worse so you would rather not brush your teeth, switch to toothpaste with a bland taste. If you throw up frequently, make sure to rinse out your mouth with a mouth rinse or just plain water to wash out the acid in the vomit and prevent it from eroding the tooth enamel.
You can receive basic dental care during your second trimester. It is very important to inform your dentist that you are pregnant. It is strongly recommended that you avoid any dental treatments when you are on your first trimester and during the latter half of your third trimester. This is to prevent your exposure to any substance or procedure that could be detrimental to your baby during the critical periods of development.
Likewise, dental X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy. Although technological advances have made X-ray procedures a lot safer now than they were several decades ago, a pregnant woman getting a dental X-ray would only be an option in emergency cases. What pregnant women should not miss are regular dental checkups, particularly gum examinations because of the increased risk of tender and bleeding gums.
After giving birth to your baby, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible especially if you suffered any gum problems while you were pregnant so you can have a thorough dental evaluation. Whether you are pregnant now or at pre or post-pregnancy stage, please feel free to call us for any of your dental concerns.
2010-02-24 13:38:51
Dealing with Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis is a dental condition that afflicts millions across the globe. In
There are many known causes of bad breath. However, 85% of individuals with this condition are afflicted with dental problems that are said to cause it. Gingivitis and dry mouth are among these, and you can find helpful information about these on the other pages of this site. These pages contain helpful discussions on the causes, nature and possible treatment plans available today.
Individuals with bad breath do not have to resign to living with it all their life. There are effective cures, yet the treatment process starts with a thorough medical and dental examination, and diagnosis.
Diagnosis
There are individuals who are not aware they have bad breath. A person’s nose can get used to the foul smell that it could take another individual to notice. If you become aware of people stepping back or recoiling once you start to open your mouth, this could be a sign that you need to immediately take a self-exam or consult with a dentist for a diagnosis. Immediate action can be crucial in your defense against bad breath.
Non-chronic bad breath can be caused by the presence of bacteria in the back portion of the tongue or around the teeth. Unwashed food particles can invite bacteria to thrive and they can cause bad breath. In such cases of bad breath, thorough oral examination and oral hygiene investigation may be required.
Once determined that your bad breath problem is caused by an underlying dental problem, the dentist will probably refer you to a specialist. You can for instance, be referred to a periodontist if you have gum problems.
Certain non-dental conditions can also cause bad breath. During your examination, you may also be asked for a full medical history. Conditions like sinusitis, kidney or liver disease have been known to affect breath odor. In this case, you may be required to see your physician.
Treatment
Treatment of halitosis will depend on the severity of the case and the cause. Often, it only takes proper dental care to get rid of non-chronic bad breath. If the problem persists, the dentist may prescribe anti-bacterial mouthwashes. Over-the-counter mouth rinses often just temporarily cover up bad breath and not actually treat it.
The treatment of a more serious bad breath problem such as those caused by dental problems and other medical conditions usually starts with the treatment of the latter conditions first. By treating the cause, bad breath can effectively be treated and avoided altogether.
Working with a Dental Team
If you suspect yourself of having bad breath, learn more about this condition through the dental problems directory onsite. You may also book an appointment with our office for a dental exam. Working with a dental team qualified and trained to handle related dental problems can help you in your battle against bad breath.
2009-10-01 10:22:04
Benefits of Implants for Denture Wearers
Benefits of Implants for Denture Wearers
Living with missing teeth and detachable dentures is not easy. There are common recorded problems associated with wearing dentures such as poor fit and reduced ability to chew. These problems can drastically change a denture wearer’s quality of life. Diet is limited to soft chew foods and social life is diminished due to fear of embarrassing denture flop out episodes.
Today, a denture wearer has the option of replacing dentures with dental implants which can generally improve the overall quality of life of the patient. Dental implants can provide the following benefits.
Benefit#1 - Permanent and Stable Dentures
Usually, there are two minimum dental implants needed to support the denture or bridge. These implants are made of sturdy material such as titanium that bond with the patient’s bones. This would mean that there will be no possibility of the denture or bridge from flopping out while you speak, laugh or eat.
Benefit#2 - Improved Capability to Chew and Taste
Since dental implants gives the denture or bridge more stability, this means that a patient can now include firm or more solid foods into the diet. It is a common problem for denture wearers to experience a reduced chewing efficiency leaving them with soft chew diet options only.
Full upper dentures also affect taste since it is structured in a way that it covers the mouth’s palate. This palate-covering structure can be removed in dental implants giving the patient the capability to taste food better once again.
Benefit#3 - Improved Speech
A loose or ill fitting denture can greatly affect a patient’s speech or ability to speak clearly as facial and mouth muscles work to keep dentures in place. While this may not create significant communication issues, it can diminish a denture wearer’s desire to socialize. With stable dental implants on the other hand, this problem is eliminated along with muscle strain.
Benefit#4 - Avoid Constant Denture Adjustment
A receding jawbone is one of the after effects when one looses a tooth or set of teeth. As jawbones start to recede, it gives the patient a new facial shape. Often, this results in an unattractive shrunken facial look.
This scenario is what also leads to loose fitting dentures resulting to reduced chewing ability, and constant denture adjustment. All these however, can be avoided in dental implants as they keep the jawbones from receding.
Benefit#5 - Increased Self-Confidence
Dental implants provide a more permanent aesthetic value to a denture wearer’s facial appearance. Well-modeled dentures attached to implants can give a patient a better smile and eliminate that insecurity related to missing teeth. More stability will also mean no more embarrassing denture flop out episodes and an increased self-confidence to socialize.
Dental implant procedures are performed by specialists such as prosthodontists. If you are convinced or are ready for dental implants, simply make an appointment with our dental office today and learn more about your options. You can also get helpful information such as proper denture care and oral hygiene by browsing through the directories on this site.
2009-07-14 11:55:47
understanding the complete denture
When a person decides to have a denture made, it is very important to understand the process and the limitations of the treatment. It is not rational to imagine that a denture prosthesis can replace real teeth. It cannot. Here are some of the pointers to what you should understand.
q I understand that dentures are not a replacement for teeth. Dentures are a replacement for no teeth.
q I understand that dental implant supported dentures are a better treatment alternative.
q As a first-time denture wearer, I understand that a denture is an addition to the mouth. It will take time to accept the denture flanges and extension across palate.
q I understand that different people adapt at different rates. It may be months before the dentures feel natural.
q I understand that all denture patients will have an adjustment period in order to learn to speak naturally with their new prosthesis. Words are formed by the tongue adapting itself in different positions relative to the teeth and palate. A new denture will change the shapes in your mouth. Most patients adapt, if they stick with it.
q I understand that with dentures, my “new teeth” will no longer be held in by “roots”. Muscles and suction will hold in the denture.
q I understand that a lower denture is harder to keep in place than an upper denture. This is because, unlike upper dentures that cover the palate and create a 360-degree seal, a lower denture has no suction.
q I understand that the tongue has a tendency to unseat the lower denture when swallowing and talking.
q I understand that because the lower denture has less surface area, there is a greater tendency for the gums under lower dentures to become sore from bite pressure.
q I understand that if I have continued problems with sore gums under a lower denture, a denture soft-liner may be a solution. There will be an additional cost.
q I understand that dental implants are a solution for dentures. dental implants and implant prosthesis cost between $6000 and $25,000 per arch, depending on the complexity.
q I understand that new denture wearers need to learn a new way to bite and chew.
q I understand that front teeth are just for show and that I need to learn to bite and chew on back teeth, where the ridge can support the bite.
q I understand that the Doctor or I may decide at any point it is in my best interest to stop the process of making my denture. In that case, I will not be responsible the entire fee, only fees covering the doctor’s time and materials to that point.
q I understand that I must leave my prosthesis out 4 to 8 hours every day or I will do irreparable harm to my gums, bone and mouth.
o Dentures left in place will grow yeast and fungus infections.
o Dentures can place a destructive compressive force on the gums and the underlying bone. The compressive force presses on vessels that pass through the gums to supply oxygen and nutrients. Studies show that bone underlying a denture will resorb and erode under constant compressive forces.
o Leaving the denture in to destroy bone and gums won’t have a noticeable effect immediately. However the long term effect of destructive denture wearing habits is risk of:
§ A greater chance of infection
§ A shorter life for the current denture
§ A slow steady loss of gum and bone support
§ Future possibility I may not be able to wear a denture at all.
q I understand that gums and bone continually change under my denture and that dentures will need to be evaluated every 6 months to insure that a change in fit is not doing irreparable damage to the gums and bone.
q I understand that regular dental exams are essential to staying healthy and functioning well with a denture. The most important reason for denture patients to have examinations is to screen for oral cancer. It is also important to determine the appropriate time to reline a denture before it fits so poorly that damage to tissues has occurred.
q I understand that the time will come when my denture will have to be relined or remade. That time may be as short as 6 months or as long as 8 years.
q I understand that the use of “do-it-yourself” denture relining products is strongly discouraged. Denture relines using these products are more porous, harbor more bacteria, and the resulting fit can lead to sever bone and soft tissue damage.
2009-07-01 16:01:52
how to take care of your denture
How do I take care of my dentures?
Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped. When you are not wearing them, store your dentures away from children and pets. Just like natural teeth - dentures must be brushed daily to remove the deposits and plaque. This will prevent the denture from becoming permanently stained and it also helps your mouth stay healthy. You can buy a denture brush or a regular toothbrush to clean your denture -- avoid hard bristled brushes though. You may use a recommended denture cleanser or a mild dishwashing liquid. On denture cleansers -- look for the
2009-06-24 12:51:56
Why Do You Need a Prosthodontist?
Why Do You Need a Prosthodontist?
There are still many patients who question the need to see a prosthodontist. Prosthodontics is one of the recognized special fields of dentistry that generally deals with missing or damaged teeth replacement. Severe cases should only be handled by a prosthodontist so that you or your loved ones are offered the best treatment plan.
A prosthodontist can also help you learn more about the different treatment options available today and walk you through the pros and cons of each. By becoming well educated about the expertise that a prosthodontist can offer, you avoid the confusion and possibly achieve the best course of action for your dental problems.
Why a Prosthodontist
Some of the treatments that a prosthodontist may offer can be available through a general dentist. However, here are some reasons why you should see a prosthodontist for your special dental needs
- Benefit from Exclusive Expertise
The treatment plans or options available for severe cases of missing or broken teeth restoration can only be performed by a prosthodontist. General dentists can only handle simple bridge or denture procedures. Usually, a general dentist will refer you and team up with a prosthodontist so you obtain the best treatment plan.
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Expertise Due to Education and Training
The knowledge and expertise of a prosthodontist goes beyond that of a general dentist due to continued education and training. A prosthodontist have to pass both the four-year general dentistry and the three-year prosthodontic education or training.
- Keep Up With The Trends
Prosthodontics continually evolves as missing teeth treatment or solutions are improved by technology. With this, dental patients can be assured that a prosthodontist is abreast with the current trends. Dental implants for instance, can be performed using the teeth-in-a-day procedure that replaces traditional procedures that would usually last for a few months.
How a Prosthodontist Can Help You
There are many ways that a prosthodontist can help you with your dental problems. Here are a few of them
- Dental implants – While wearing dentures is one of the solutions for missing teeth, there are common problems related to wearing them. Poor fit, facial muscles strain and discomfort can be among these. As an alternative, you can consult with a prosthodontist for a more stable or permanent denture or bridge with dental implants.
- Post Oral Cancer Treatment – Cancer treatment such as radiation can result to the decay and discoloration. A prosthodontist can repair or reconstruct damaged teeth and recommend the best oral care.
- Crowns, veneers and whitening
There can be other dental problems that a prosthodontist can help you with. Simply browse through our web pages and learn more about your dental problem and the treatment options available for you.
Getting Started
If you are ready to see a prosthodontist, simply make an appointment with our dental office by calling or filling out the online Appointment Request Form. Making an appointment and learning more about your options is the first step to overcoming the embarrassment that you or your loved ones feel about missing or damaged teeth.
2009-06-19 10:43:01
Dental care when recieving chemotherapy
It is necessary that you understand the importance of good oral hygiene and preventive care before, during, and after chemotherapy.
The purpose of chemotherapy is to reduce the growth of tumor cells. Unfortunately, tissues in the mouth are affected by chemotherapy and special care should be taken to help prevent infections in the mouth.
Ways of preventing these problems start with an examination by a dentist. If any dental procedures are necessary before chemotherapy, they usually can be done while the bone can heal properly.
For more information and photos check our site: www.penchasdentistry.com
Common Side Effects
- Dry Mouth is very common after the first week of therapy and may persist as a permanent effect. This depends on how and what type of drugs are given. This will vary from patient to patient.
- Mouth Ulcers are a common occurrence during chemotherapy. Sometimes, these ulcers are preventable by simple oral hygiene care and a cautious diet. These may occur on the lips, tongue, and roof of mouth and inside the check.
- Swollen gums are another side effect that may occur if tartar has accumulated around and below the gum line of your teeth.
- Dental Abscesses can occur if broken or impacted teeth are present during chemotherapy.
Oral Hygiene
A soft toothbrush held like a pen can be used carefully during chemotherapy. If the mouth is too sore to use a toothbrush, a folded square gauze pad can be moistened with water and gently wiped over the surfaces of the teeth and/ or gums instead.
Rinsing the mouth with a salt and soda solution will remove food and debris which tends to accumulate in the mouth. (This is made by adding one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda to one quart of water). This solution can be used as often as necessary to provide a clean oral environment.
Things to avoid
- Avoid foods that have a rough consistency such as: tortilla chips, fried foods, nuts, etc.
- Avoid wearing complete dentures during chemotherapy, as this will promote nausea and vomiting. Wearing dentures will also promote development of mouth ulcers
- Avoid a prolonged dry mouth which may tend to develop during sleep. Keep plenty of water at bedside.
- Avoid carbonated beverages and juices that are acidic like grapefruit or orange juice.
- Avoid high alcohol containing mouthwashes like Listerine or Scope. Use only the salt and soda solution.
- If vomiting occurs, rinse with soda and salt solution; this will neutralize the stomach acid. Prolonged contact of stomach acid in the mouth will cause mouth ulcers.
2009-06-16 11:39:01