Can I Have Dental Work While Pregnant?. Family and Cosmetic Dentist Irvine.

Considering that there’s already a lot to worry about when you’re pregnant, you’ll lik
ely be relieved to hear that dental work during pregnancy is nothing to stress over. You can’t always foresee when you’re going to need to visit the dentist but rest assured that you can safely complete necessary dental work while pregnant.

That said, the best time for dental work during pregnancy is during the second trimester. The nausea that many women experience during the first trimester will likely have subsided and the development of the baby’s organs is complete. Likewise, completing dental work before the third trimester lowers the risk of side effects, like premature birth, and you’ll likely feel more comfortable while getting the work done as it may become more difficult to lie on your back for long periods of time towards the end of the pregnancy.

One thing that you need to be more cautious of when receiving dental work during pregnancy is any potential infections. If you experience any pain or swelling, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Can I Get My Teeth Cleaned While Pregnant?

Yes, if you are healthy you can get your teeth cleaned while pregnant. Regular teeth cleaning is just as important, if not more so, during pregnancy. Women should visit the dentist while pregnant for their regular teeth cleaning as they tend to consume more carbohydrates and may have difficulty brushing their teeth due to morning sickness.

Pregnancy also causes the gums to swell and food can more easily become trapped, leading to gum irritation. Keeping up on preventative dental work while pregnant helps avoid infections, such as gum disease, which can potentially lead to preterm birth.

Can I Get Dental Work While Pregnant?

If you find out that you need dental work during pregnancy, you can safely receive treatment using a local anesthetic. A study by the Journal of the American Dental Association found that women who underwent dental work while pregnant did not have a higher risk of medical issues or of passing along defects to the baby.

In fact, it may be more detrimental to the health of both the mother and the baby if the woman does not receive the necessary dental care during pregnancy. An untreated dental problem can turn into an infection that could harm both the mother and the baby.

However, if the dental work can safely be postponed until after the baby is born, it is considered to still be the best option. This is especially true for elective procedures, like teeth whitening, which may pose small risks to the baby that are simply better not to take.

Is Fluoride Good For Your Teeth?

The short answer is yes. The benefits of using fluoride for teeth protection far outnumber any potential risks and people of all ages should regularly use toothpaste with fluoride to guard against tooth decay.

How Fluoride Helps Teeth

Fluoride is a natural mineral that can be found in many foods and water. People can use fluoride to prevent tooth decay as the mineral increases the tooth enamel’s resistance towards acid from plaque and bacteria. It can also reverse the signs of early decay by rebuilding the tooth’s enamel if caught early.

It’s especially important to get enough fluoride for teeth during the growing phase while permanent teeth are coming in. Kids from six months to 16 years benefit the most from exposure to fluoride in toothpaste, water and other sources. However, adults can also benefit from continued exposure to fluoride to prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel.

There are certain groups of people who may require higher levels of fluoride to prevent tooth decay due to health conditions. People with dry mouth are more prone to tooth decay as the lack of saliva increases the amount of food particles that linger in the mouth and makes it more difficult to neutralize the acids that attack the tooth enamel. Those with gum disease are also at a higher risk due to a greater surface area of the tooth and tooth roots being exposed to bacteria.

How Fluoride Works

While fluoride occurs naturally in food and water, many people need an additional source of fluoride. Using fluoride to prevent tooth decay is made easy by the mineral’s addition to mouth rinses and toothpastes. You can find an over-the-counter toothpaste with fluoride or ask your dentist to prescribe a toothpaste with a higher dose. If you don’t want to rely on fluoride in toothpaste to get your recommended amount, your dentist can also apply fluoride directly to your teeth in the form of gel, foam or varnish as part of their general dentistry services. This method contains greater levels of the mineral than you will find in toothpaste with fluoride.

Fluoride is safe to use in small doses but it can be toxic if too much is consumed. For this reason, children under the age of six should be closely supervised when using toothpaste with fluoride and just a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used as young children are more likely to swallow the toothpaste.

Being and staying healthy has never been more in vogue. We go to the gym – we take multivitamins and supplements, all in the pursuit of staying healthy and preventing serious health issues. One of the cornerstones of good health is good oral hygiene and dental habits can help prevent some serious health issues.

The benefit of good oral care is two-fold. Not only do you prevent mouth and gum disease like plaque and gingivitis, but you are also preventing more serious health concerns. Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Dental care helps prevent bacteria from entering into your bloodstream. Plaque and bacteria build up in the bloodstream can lead to clogged arteries, which in turn, can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Gingivitis affects your gums and can make it hard for you to want to smile… and everyone should love their smile. Worse still, the inflammation and bacteria that are synonymous with gingivitis can enter your nerve channels or bloodstream and in turn the brain. If left neglected and untreated, your smile is not the only thing that will fade. Those who suffer from prolonged periods of gum disease have shown higher rates of dementia.

Because our mouths are the point of entry for most things that enter our bodies, germs and unhealthy bacteria have more opportunities to cause health problems. Imagine if you will a neglected set of gums and teeth and the microorganisms that you are breathing in without even realizing it. By breathing these in you open yourself up to potential respiratory infections such as pneumonia. If you suffer from asthma you may be more susceptible to fungal infections such as thrush due to poor dental hygiene and the way that affects your asthma medications. Check with your dentist and doctor for more information.

It is important to remember that while good dental habits are hard to form they are important for your overall health. Oral hygiene is one of the easiest ways to avoid serious health risks in the future. Start today, it is easy. Simply brush, floss, and consult with your dentist on proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Staying with it can be hard at first because there will be some discomfort involved, but stick with it! You will find that once you have formed good habits your mouth will feel better your smile will shine brighter and you might even find that you’re having fun with your dental hygiene.

Why is Flossing Important?

Flossing removes plaque buildup and food particles that stick in between teeth and gums. Flossing improves oral health in between dentist visits by getting a deeper clean that polishes the tooth surface, controls bad breath, and decreasing chance of gum disease or tooth corrosion.

Brushing your teeth cleans 70% of your teeth, so not flossing is like not cleaning the other 30% of your mouth. Flossing is one of the most important parts of oral hygiene, preventing and protecting your teeth from gingivitis and oral health issues, like cavities.

Types of Dental Floss

There are two different types of floss:

• Multifilament Floss (nylon or silk)
• Monofilament Floss (rubber or plastic)

Nylon and Silk Floss

The nylon and silk flosses can come either waxed or unwaxed. Unwaxed nylon floss is general floss that may or may not come in different flavors or have an added breath stabilizer. Waxed floss can also come in flavors and make it easier to slide in between teeth, but also may be more difficult to fit in between tight teeth spaces.

Rubber and Plastic Floss

The rubber and plastic flosses are newer technology made with synthetic fibers that don’t fray or break as easily as nylon or silk floss. Included in monofilament floss is Dental tape. Dental tape is much thinner than ordinary floss making it easy to slide in between tight teeth spaces, while being shred resistant.

Flossing Devices

If you are not interested in using the traditional dental floss, there are now a variety of common floss devices that make flossing between teeth an easier routine.

• Regular Floss
• Floss Picks
• Water Flosser

Regular Floss

Regular floss, as stated above, comes in many different forms that all work well with removing plaque. Depending on the spacing of your teeth and flavors that are offered, you will be able to find a floss that suits your teeth’s needs.

Floss Picks

Floss picks have become a popular way to floss teeth. Floss picks come in different shapes and sizes with waxed and unwaxed options to accommodate hard spaces to reach, like the back of the mouth. When flossing with a floss pick, rinsing the pick regularly during the floss process is recommended to keep from moving debris and other food particles from one part of the mouth to other.

Water Flossers / Water Picks

Water flossing devices, such as a water pick or dental floss jet, use a stream on pressured water to push food particles and debris out from in between the teeth. Although this method of flossing is the faster solution to flossing your teeth, using regular dental floss provides the best results in preventing gingivitis and protecting your teeth.

Flossing with Braces, Dental Implants, and Bridges

Flossing with braces or extra dental work can be very frustrating and seem impossible, but there are specialty floss devices that make it easier to floss between teeth with braces or extra dental work.

• Super Floss is a great alternative to regular floss or floss picks that can be difficult to maneuver. Super floss has three parts, a hard end to enter the teeth, an absorbent middle to catch debris and food particles, and a regular floss end to finish through in between the teeth.
• Floss threaders are devices that allow you to pull regular floss through wider open spaces. These are more popular with braces to pull floss through the gap between the tooth and wire.
• Dental Work Floss is floss created for people with dental work that is a combination of two above with a spongy floss that has a built in threader.

Remember, even with regular flossing and brushing of your teeth is it recommended that you get regular teeth cleanings.  Call your dentist and make an appointment to keep your mouth happy and healthy.

Sources:
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/article/how-to-floss
https://www.jeffersondentalclinics.com/blog.html/2014/08/21/the-different-types-of-floss-and-how-to-floss-properly/
http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/22,HD29
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/dental-floss_b_1643933.html
http://www.gumbrand.com/gum-eez-thru-floss-threaders-840a.html
http://www.drcollins.com/dr-collins-dental-work-specialty-floss.html
https://oralb.com/en-us/products/super-floss
https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/flossing3.html

Is your tooth in pain? How to know if it is an Abscessed Tooth or and when to call your dentist!

What is Dental Abscess?

An abscess tooth is an infection in the chamber of the tooth, also known as the pulp of the tooth, that runs through the root and out the bottom end. This infection can then spread to the jaw bone resulting in sickness and possible tooth loss if not treated.

How does tooth abscess occur?

When tooth decay starts, forming a cavity, it can reach the pulp of the tooth and run through to the bottom of the root. Cracked teeth can also spark the beginning of abscess through the same process. Bacteria now have an express route to the inner chamber.

What are the symptoms and signs of tooth abscess?

Some of the symptoms of tooth abscess are the following:

• Throbbing Toothache
• Pain when biting down or chewing
• Hard Inflamed “pimples” on the surrounding Gum
• Fever
• Jaw Throbbing and swelling

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is best to call your dentist right away for an over the phone diagnosis which may result in an emergency dental visit.

Tooth Abscess Treatment

If an emergency dental visit is necessary, your dentist will treat the abscess by removing the tooth decay and may perform a root canal to flush the infected pulp. Depending on the severity of the abscess, the tooth may need a dental crown or need to be removed entirely.

How to Prevent Tooth Abscess

By contacting your dentist when you have a toothache, pain when biting or chewing, or jaw swelling and throbbing they may be able to diagnose the issue right away and prevent abscess from occurring. Going to the dentist for regular teeth cleanings, most cavities and tooth decay will be stopped in their tracks greatly improving the chances of not contracting tooth abscess.

Call us today to make an appointment for a check up!

Seven Surprising Foods That Are Eroding Your Teeth

Keeping your teeth healthy can be hard enough, but many of the foods you like to eat can be harmful. This is why it’s important to learn the best foods for teeth. Different types of food can treat teeth differently either promoting and preserving healthy enamel, or breaking down enamel and building plaque. Foods that include large amounts acid, sugars, and starches usually promote enamel erosion leading to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease!! Your dentist wants your smile to stay healthy.

Here are 7 different food types to stay away from or at least limit for better oral health.

RELATED – 27 SOFT FOODS TO EAT AFTER ORAL SURGERY

1. Sticky Foods – Candy is widely known for not being beneficial toward oral health. Almost all candy (at least the good kind) has copious amounts of sugar. Depending on the candy type, most candies will get stuck in the crevasses and pockets of teeth leaving the sugars to sit and accumulate bacteria to begin building plaque. Candies that have a sour flavor do double damage because they have higher acidic properties to create that sour flavor.
   The sugary and sticky consistency isn’t limited to just candy. Many dried fruits are also sugar coated and have a gummy texture that will find its way to the cracks and crevasses of the teeth.
2. Starches – Foods that have a starchy make up such as bread, crackers, and chips. When saliva breaks down the sugars in the starch, the consistency changes to an almost gooey substance that easily gets stuck in between teeth. This allows the sugars to sit and decay the tooth if not cleaned right away.
3. Fruit – Fruits are great for the body’s health, but when it comes to oral health many fruits have a high acidity that can speed up tooth decay. Fruits like apples, oranges, lemons, and tomatoes have higher acidity levels.
4. Ice – Technically one wouldn’t consider ice a food but, when ice is chewed it is not good for teeth. Chewing ice can cause tooth chipping and tooth cracking that can lead to bigger oral problems and a much higher risk of rapid tooth decay if not treated in a timely manner.
5. Wine – A glass of red wine at dinner has many health benefits, but can also take a toll on your teeth. Red wine can be very acidic and when consumed regularly can stain your teeth.
6. Coffee – Coffee is a morning must for many people. Whether your drink is from home, Starbucks, or anywhere else, most of the time sugar is added to the coffee. Coffee, like wine, has health benefits but when consumed regularly can stain teeth, as well as speed up tooth decay when sugar is added.
7. Soda – Last but not least, Soda. Soda has a huge amount of sugars that stick to your teeth. Not only does soda have more acid to attack the enamel, but darker sodas can have the same effect that wine and coffee do to stain your teeth.

When looking at this list you might be thinking, then what can I eat? All of these foods can still be enjoyed in reasonable amount without hurting your teeth if other actions take place.

For example, when eating a food with high acidity whether it be wine or fruit, eat something with it that has a higher PH. Any dairy food like a glass of milk or a slice of cheese can counter balance the acidity so it is not sitting on your teeth for long.

While eating starchy foods, drink water to break up the food that has collected in the crevasses to prevent it from accumulating and attacking the enamel.

With anything having to do with sugary foods, there’s usually always a sugar free option when it comes to candy and other snacks. Not only will sugar free be better for your body’s health but your mouth will thank you as well.

Brushing your teeth after eating can also help keep teeth healthy. See your dentist regularly for cleaning and checkups to be sure you teeth are sparkling and strong.

Sources: deltadentalins.com, MouthHealhty.org, Colgate.com

Smoking and Your Smile

A smile is a powerful thing. It’s the very thing that the majority of us notice when we meet someone new. It impacts the shape of the face and the way others perceive us. Whenever you share a smile with someone across the room, beam at a new baby, or grin while meeting an old friend for the first time in years, your smile communicates something about you.

You know how important your smile is, and you want your teeth to be white and straight so that your smile makes a fantastic impression. But did you know that despite your great oral health habits, smoking is damaging your teeth beyond repair?

Below is a guide to help you learn more about how smoking affects your oral health—and how you can protect your smile. Your doctor and dentist can also help you learn more about the effects of smoking on teeth.

How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health

Most people are aware of how detrimental smoking can be to their general health. Since the first Surgeon General report on the effects of smoking on health, more than 20 million Americans have died as a result of smoking—and one-tenth of that group died because of exposure to secondhand smoke.

You know all of this, of course. But do you know the specific effects that smoking has on your oral health?

Many of the symptoms of habitual smoking are subtle, but if you smoke frequently, you know that cigarettes have one immediate effect on your oral health: you get stale breath. But there are other symptoms that occur over time that only the best dentistries like Babiner Dental can get rid of, including:

• Badly stained teeth. Most smokers have yellowed teeth, and over time, their teeth can even turn dark brown.
• Slower healing rates. The nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco slow your body’s ability to heal itself after a surgery because nicotine slows blood flow and causes more clots. Even if you can afford to replace all of your teeth if they become stained, the process will be much more painful than it might have been if you didn’t smoke.
• Gum disease. Smoking interferes with your gum tissue cells, which makes you much more susceptible to infection. Periodontal disease is one such infection that leads to tooth loss and painful, swollen gums.
• Bone loss. Your teeth are more likely to fall out and your jawbone is more likely to decay if you smoke frequently.
• Dulled senses. You may have begun to experience this already—your senses of taste and smell aren’t what they used to be. Consistent exposure to smoke and toxins deadens sensitive cells in your nose and mouth, making it difficult for you to taste and smell.

And of course, there’s a heightened risk of oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer. A single cigarette contains at least 23 carcinogenic (or cancer-causing) chemicals. Each of those chemicals eats away at cells that protect your mouth, throat, nose, and lungs, and then begin to modify the cells. Your body can fight the effects for a while, but eventually, cancer can develop.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Your dentist can help you fight the effects of smoking on your mouth and smile. For example, your dental clinic most likely offers special toothpastes for smokers. These toothpastes are abrasive and fight bacteria in your mouth.

You can also use teeth-whitening toothpastes, which can help eliminate some of the tobacco stains on your teeth. Your dentist may also be able to provide a heavy-duty mouthwash to eliminate smelly bacteria and improve your breath.

Through regular examinations, your dentist can spot damage and help fight decay. If you are a steady smoker, chances are that your dentist will be the first one to spot a potential dental health issue and advise you on your next steps. In some cases, corrective surgery may be needed.

Ultimately, however, your dentist will advise one thing: stop smoking immediately. The effects of smoking will continue to damage your teeth, throat, and mouth, even if your dentist provides special products and treatments to help.

You Can Quit Smoking

Of course, only a doctor can give you precise, helpful advice on quitting smoking. Your doctor knows your personal medical history the best, so if you plan to quit, talk to him or her as soon as possible.

In general, though, if you want to quit smoking, you’ll make a great step toward protecting your smile from future damage. Write down your reasons for wanting to quit—or, better yet, film yourself. Whenever you feel discouraged or frustrated, review your reasons for quitting.

There are loads of ways that you can try to stop smoking though, you just have to find what works best for you. For example, some people like to use nix sticks, if you are wondering what are nix sticks, then they are just a nicotine replacement to help you try and quit smoking. But there are plenty of other things that you could try.

Share your goals with others, including friends, family, and your dentist. It may help you to have someone to hold you accountable when you slip back into old habits. Ask for help from the people you love, and you’ll be surprised by how much easier it becomes to overcome this bad habit.

Whether you want a more beautiful smile, a healthier family, or a longer life, overcoming a smoking habit is worth it. You can do it! Quitting smoking can be difficult, but with the support of others, you can succeed. Speak with your dentist today about how you can improve your oral health and quit smoking.