Does Pregnancy Affect Your Teeth? Dental Tips for the Mom to Be

The additional hormones that women who are pregnant have may cause some dental changes. For example, they become more sensitive to plaque, which tends to appear between and on the teeth. If a woman’s gums start to become more sensitive due to plaque, she may notice a bit of blood on her toothbrush each time she brushes. Pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis than women who are not pregnant. Those who constantly deal with morning sickness may notice more discoloration because of the acid that touches the teeth while vomiting.

No expectant mother wants to lose teeth during or after her pregnancy, which is why all women must be proactive about caring for their teeth. There are some women who believe they cannot have a dental cleaning or any kind of dental work performed during their pregnancy, but that is a misconception. In fact, women are encouraged to continue seeing their dentist for routine cleanings to help get rid of the plaque before it has enough time to sit on the teeth and gums, causing decay and other serious problems. However, they may need to avoid having X-rays done because of the radiation exposure.

Along with a routine cleaning at the dental office, pregnant women should follow a few different steps to keep their teeth healthy and clean while at home. For example, after vomiting due to morning sickness, a woman should always rinse her mouth out with water. Even though it may be frustrating to do so much, especially for those who are constantly sick, water rinses the mouth out so the acidity from the vomit does not sit on the teeth. It would be ideal to brush more than twice a day. Some pregnant women choose to brush 3-4 times a day to be on the safe side.

Floss and mouthwash should be used during each brushing session. There are mouthwashes designed to fight plaque and make breath smell a lot better. The floss will help with removing any stubborn pieces of food that have gotten stuck. Women may also want to watch what they eat and drink. Sugary foods and beverages, such as candy and soda, may contribute to decay. While it is fine to give into cravings at times, such food items should only be consumed in moderation. If you want to learn more about root canal treatment in Apex, speak with a general dentist.

Prevent Kid’s Fears of the Dentist

Prepare your child for their trip to the dentist so that they aren’t afraid. If they already have fears, take them with you on your next appointment so that they can observe and know that it’s all normal.

The Benefits of Whiter Teeth

 

Over time, your white teeth yellow from age, things you drink or eat, or smoking. Unfortunately, this happens to almost everyone, unless you do something about it. There are ways that you can prevent some staining. After you have a cup of coffee, rinse your mouth out with water. Before drinking red wine, brush your teeth to remove the plaque on your teeth so that the wine doesn’t stain. The reality is that most people don’t have time or remember to do this.

Getting whiter teeth is now much more affordable and easy. Teeth that need to be whitened aren’t typically damaged or diseased, they are just suffering from stains that happen over time. Teeth whitening has no harmful side effects on your teeth. Done properly, it won’t weaken the enamel. Here are some of the benefits of whiter teeth.

• Your appearance changes dramatically. You get that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
• Whiter teeth give you a friendlier countenance.
• You have more self-confidence.
• White teeth are associated with a healthy lifestyle.
• Your whiter smile minimizes the presence of facial wrinkles, which makes you look more youthful.
• You are less uncomfortable when you’re speaking to others.
• You won’t feel like you have to hide behind your hands when talking.
• You will be more motivated to take care of your teeth.

Whitening has an immediate effect on your lifestyle. To learn more about teeth whitening in Apex, please visit this website.

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5 Reasons for Adults to Consider Braces

Forget any associations you have with braces and adolescence. There are plenty adults today who are opting to get orthodontic treatment to even out their grin.

The primary motivation one might have to consider donning braces as an adult is for purely health reasons. Having straight teeth is conducive to better oral health due to increased ease in cleaning. This, in turn, can result in less bacterial issues and less chance of periodontal disease.

Having braces can also do wonders for a person’s self-esteem as the resulting straighter teeth can greatly increase your confidence. Imagine entering a room and being able to flash a bright, perfect smile at those around you. When you walk into an interview or meet new people, you can confidently show your pearly whites. No longer will you feel the need to present a closed mouth grin in up close photos or to cover your mouth with your hand when you break out laughing.

Though you may be thinking there is no way you are going to revisit the awkwardness of early teen years by filling your mouth with metal brackets, the traditional braces of yesteryear are no longer the only treatments on the block. Orthodontics has come a long way and there are numerous options in oral treatments that can allow you to get a straighter smile with less notice ability. Clear ceramic brackets can be used for a more subtle presence and options that utilize a clear tray that slides over your teeth can create an almost non-existent appearance. The latter also allows for extreme ease in cleaning, making them easier to care for and maintain than traditional types. However, if you do opt for the tin grin, rest assured that there is an array of both vibrant and understated rubber band options to fit your personal style.

The amount of time you have to invest might cause you to shy away from taking the jump, but that should not be a deterrent. Treatment times have shortened based on the option chosen, and you will likely only be looking at a year to a year and a half before completion.

Finally, options for incremental payment can be a terrific reason to consider braces. Payment plans are readily available with most orthodontic practices, allowing you to set up a plan prior to beginning that allows you to pay as you go. Don’t count out potential insurance assistance. Check with your dental plan to see whether you have orthodontic coverage that can cover part or all of the expenses.

There is no need to live life self-conscious about your teeth. Visit this website for more information about a professional dentist in Santa Cruz.

Make Dental Exams a Part of Your Lifestyle

If you have avoided the dentist for a while, make sure to call your dentist right away so that you can get your teeth back in shape. Regular dental exams are an essential element of a healthy lifestyle.

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What Is Nitrous Oxide Used For?

 

Nitrous oxide is a sedative agent that dentists will often use to help patients to relax. Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that is used for some dental procedures. Dentists will commonly use nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” for many dental procedures, including the following:

• Filling cavities
• Root canals
• Tooth extractions
• Routine examinations and cleanings

Filling Cavities

Nitrous oxide is now frequently used for patients who have teeth cavities, and many dentists will even offer deeper sedation for this and other relatively minor dental procedures.

Root Canals

Each of your teeth has a pulp-filled cavity in the root. If the pulp rots away or degrades, a root canal procedure will be necessary. Nitrous oxide is frequently used for this procedure, which involves a dentist going in and filling the cavity in the root with another material.

Tooth Extractions

There are many reasons that a person might have to have a tooth extracted. For example, a tooth that has decayed to the point that a dentist cannot repair or save will need to be pulled out.

Routine Examinations and Cleanings

Although not necessary for routine examinations and cleanings, many people who have anxiety over having dental work done will choose to have nitrous oxide prior to the treatment so that they can feel more relaxed and calm while the dentist is working. If you have small children who are anxious about the dentist, the use of laughing gas can be of great benefit to them as well.

For more information on the types of procedures that frequently call for the use of nitrous oxide, visit this website of a sedation dentistry in Cary.

Braces for Any Age

Having braces isn’t just something done during adolescence. Whether you are looking to reduce your chances of periodontal disease or simply want to improve your smile and gain the confidence to flash your pearly whites, there are plenty of options to help you do just that.  

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The Benefits of Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

When facing tooth decay, you may think fillings and crowns are inevitable. However, porcelain inlays and onlays are alternatives that offer plenty of benefits.

Preservation and Strength

When an inlay or onlay is created for a compromised tooth, less of your natural tooth has to be removed during the process. Preserving more of the tooth results in added strength of the overall structure, and offers these benefits:

• More support to the damaged area, decreasing chances of damage in the future
• Use of materials that are more durable than fillings and crowns
• Longer lasting results and less likelihood that replacement will be needed

Fit

Unlike traditional treatments, the fit offered by porcelain inlays and onlays are quite exact. Here are ways you can benefit from this process:

• Custom fit prior to creating it for your tooth
• Provide a fit that is closer to the tooth than fillings
• Can provide restoration in tight spaces
• Can treat cavities between teeth that can’t be treated with fillings
• Hygiene is increased due to the diminished likelihood of bacteria entering in spaces left in the restored area

Color

With inlays and onlays, the tooth is less likely to be affected with the discoloration that can accompany fillings and crowns. The materials used are also more resistant to stains.

Choosing porcelain inlays and onlays for dental restoration in cases of decay can offer numerous benefits in the realms of both health and aesthetics. Get more information about the porcelain inlays in Santa Cruz by visiting this website.