Oral Health: Don't Ignore Your GumsOral Health: Don't Ignore Your Gums

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Oral Health: Don't Ignore Your Gums

When you go to your dentist, you are likely concerned about cavities and the stains on your teeth. If you are like me, then you probably never thought much about your gums. Unfortunately, this caused me to form a serious gum recession condition. My dentist said that hard brushing practices, poor flossing techniques, and even the consumption of sugary foods led to the recession. After some deep scaling treatments, I was informed that I needed a gum graft procedure. The gums are extremely important to your health. They provide your teeth with the nutrients they need and they protect the sensitive dental roots. The gums even keep bacteria away from your jaw bone. Don't ignore your gums like I did. Read my blog and learn about proper oral care techniques. Prevention practices can easily save your gums from necessary restoration.

Protect Your Teeth during Pregnancy

17 July 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Finding out you are pregnant is an exciting time, but also a time when you have to start caring for your body a little differently. Everything that you put into your body will also affect your growing infant. This also means that your oral health is extremely important, including performing a fluoride rinse twice daily.

Let Your Dentist Know

When you become pregnant, you will want to let your dentist know when the appointment is being made. You should still plan on visiting the dentist two times a year, so one of your visits will be during some stage of your pregnancy. Your dentist will want to know if you have noticed any changes in your oral health and if you have stopped or started any medication. You will still be able to have dental X-rays done, but talk to your dentist if you are uncomfortable to see what options there are.

Possible Changes

Pregnancy will put you at a higher risk of gingivitis, so you want to make sure you keep an eye on any possible changes in your gum coloring. Gingivitis causes gums to turn to a darker red, but they will also be tender to the touch and bleed while brushing. If gingivitis begins to form, your dentist may suggest you have your teeth cleaned more often to prevent more serious diseases. However, tender gums are not the only change you may see in your mouth during pregnancy. Some women develop "pregnancy tumors" or swelling of the gums. These swellings will look like a small raspberry and will go away after the child is born.

Handling Morning Sickness

One of the worst things for your teeth is morning sickness, as the stomach acid will eat away at the enamel. If you are battling hyperemesis, you will want to consider taking an anti-nausea medication and eating small meals throughout the day. You can also help protect your teeth from the acid by rinsing after a bout of morning sickness with water that has baking soda added. The baking soda helps to neutralize the bile.

Your baby is counting on you to take care of your oral health. As you care for your body, you are caring for his or her body. Eating healthy and visiting the dentist will help limit gingivitis, as well as treat any infections that arise. Talk to a professional such as Dental Clinic Of Onalaska for more information.