I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
Pregnancy is a time of change and development. While most of the focus is on your stomach (and rightfully so), other parts of your body are also experiencing changes. One of these areas is your mouth. Between morning sickness and your increased progesterone levels, pregnancy can place you at an increased risk for a number of oral health concerns. Knowing how to tend to your oral care needs during pregnancy can ensure your smile remains bright, healthy and beautiful.
Morning Sickness
One of the most miserable parts of pregnancy is morning sickness. It generally starts with a feeling of intense nausea and eventually ends with you vomiting. If you are dealing with morning sickness and you're vomiting, you need to take extra precautions. Vomit contains high levels of acid from your stomach. When you fail to rinse your mouth, this acid can adhere to your teeth, causing tooth decay and enamel wear.
Once the enamel wears away, your risk for cavities and staining increases. After you vomit, immediately rinse your mouth with water. Wait several minutes and then brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Immediately after your teeth have been exposed to the acids from your stomach, they are in a weakened state. Brushing when your teeth in this state could cause you to wear away the enamel, further increasing your risk of decay.
Progesterone Levels
During your pregnancy, your body produces a high-level of progesterone, a hormone that helps your reproductive organs maintain your pregnancy. Increased levels of progesterone cause your body to respond to bacteria more aggressively, putting you at a greater risk for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is the result of a bacterial growth in your mouth.
When not treated, the bacteria settles under your gums, causing them to deteriorate and eventually leading to tooth loss. Make certain you are using an antimicrobial rinse at least once a day. This rinse will help ensure you are removing any harmful bacteria from your mouth before it settles under your gums. It's also important that you don't skip your regular dental checkups during pregnancy. Your dental provider will be able to examine your teeth and determine whether or not you're experiencing any issues.
When it comes to keeping your growing baby healthy, your entire body, including your mouth, needs to be healthy. Make certain you are keeping your oral health a priority. Visit a local dentist like Claremont Dental Institute for more information.
Share3 April 2015
