In years past, pregnant women were warned against going to the dentist out of fear for the effects on the unborn child. Today, however, dentists and obstetricians know that proper dental prevention and care is one of the most important aspects of a healthy pregnancy. With notification of the pregnancy and any current medications at each appointment, dentists and their staffs can take proper precautions for the safety of both mother and child.
The Importance of Dental Care During Pregnancy
According to the American Dental Association, too many pregnant women are choosing to ignore or self-medicate dental pain rather than seeing a physician. This delay in seeing a medical professional can lead to even more significant and painful issues.
Because of changing hormones in a pregnant woman’s body, gum inflammation, or gingivitis, affects two-thirds of pregnant patients. The swelling can lead to excessive bleeding from the gums, as well as the possibility of trapping food in the enlarged gums. When this inflammation is left unchecked, it can develop into periodontal disease, a complaint that can lead to widespread tooth decay and loss. Not only does this form of gum disease affect the mother for the rest of her life, but gum disease has also been linked to preterm birth.
In addition to visiting the dentist regularly, people should learn how to properly care for and maintain their oral health. Two of the primary ways to maintain a healthy mouth is brushing and flossing teeth correctly.
Proper brushing and flossing can enable your teeth to last for years. Not only do these actions keep the breath fresh, they also have been shown to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Since these are daily routines, many people go through the motions and complete these activities without a second thought. In the midst of the morning rush, brushing and flossing are frequently done incorrectly and ineffectively.
Dr. Bruce Vafa, top Beverly Hills dentist, recommends that people learn and use the proper techniques of brushing and flossing. The benefits of brushing and flossing are experienced when done correctly. It is just as important as visiting the dentist twice a year for routine check-ups. Dr. Vafa recommends the following tips for successful brushing and flossing.
It is often assumed that when a person ages, it is inevitable that tooth loss will occur. It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, dental studies have shown that people are capable of keeping their teeth for a lifetime if the teeth are cared for properly.
Many people do not know the aging process does not cause tooth loss. Tooth loss is the result of oral disease. In many cases, oral disease can be prevented or treated before it advances beyond the point of tooth loss.
"Regularly scheduled dental appointments can prevent many of the conditions that cause tooth loss such as cavities and tooth decay," says Dr. Bruce Vafa, DDS of Smile Angels in Beverly Hills. "With proper care and preventive maintenance, teeth can remain healthy for many decades or even a lifetime."
It’s great to know that the power to retain teeth is not given up with age. There are actions that can be taken today that will keep teeth healthy.
Have you ever wondered if your teeth will last as long as you do? People are living longer than ever. Hitting an 85th birthday in reasonably good health becomes more and more common among seniors every day. On the downside, teeth and gums often become more vulnerable to cavities, decay, plaque, tartar, staining, gingivitis and periodontal disease after you reach the age of 50. Unfortunately, many older adults neglect their teeth and do not receive regular dental care. These folks can lose their teeth long before they lose their lives. To keep your pearly whites in good condition, it’s critical to practice good oral hygiene every day and to develop healthy dental habits.
Tooth grinding (or bruxism as it’s known in technical terms) is a problem that affects more people than most people realize – you may be one of them. In fact, unless you’re a bruxism sufferer, you may wonder what the big deal is. After all, they’re teeth. They grind together every time you take a bite! The fact is, it’s much more serious than that. Here are five facts anyone who suffers from persistent grinding of the teeth ought to know, but be warned, reading beyond this point may send you sprinting to your dentist’s office! Ready? Here we go…
Your diet and oral health are closely linked which many people don’t realize. We have always heard dentists say to avoid sugar but there are many other factors that should be considered when evaluating dental health importance. Nutrients found in vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes enhance the body’s ability to fight inflammation and bacteria, which
