When I was pregnant with our first child, I have to admit my nerves often got the best of me. I worked hard to take precautions so as not to harm the baby, and no doubt I looked like the stereotypical fretful mom-to-be. Yet I never missed a doctor’s appointment, but I did have some concerns about going to the dentist – for health reasons, of course. Taking the time to research the facts about dental health and pregnancy, however, helped eased my mind about a number of issues. If you are expecting and wondering about what you should do when your dental appointment rolls around, here are some commonly asked questions to ponder.
1) How does being pregnant affect dental health?
When you are pregnant, you’ll find it makes a huge impact on your body. Personally, I noticed that thanks to the hormonal changes I experienced I had reactions to certain types of food and soap. I had to stop using one brand of lotion, for example, because the scent suddenly made me nauseous. With regards to teeth, you might find that your gums become more tender, or that plaque buildup is more prevalent. It’s important to brush regardless, but when you are pregnant you want to take extra care to brush regularly and floss.
2) Can a pregnant woman keep a dentist appointment?
Yes. There is no reason why you can visit your doctor for a routine cleaning. However, it is important that your dentist and hygienists are aware of your condition. You should not have X-rays taken during this time, but if an emergency should arise you will consult with your dentist.
3) Is there a certain brand of toothpaste a pregnant woman should use?
You may be able to use your current brand if you don’t develop a nauseous reaction to it. If you wish to err on the side of caution, you can speak with your obstetrician or dentist about a suitable toothpaste to use in the interim that will get the job done without causing you discomfort. Your local health store will have a number of all-natural pastes made with baking soda, but be careful that they don’t make you feel woozy!
Enjoy your pregnancy. These nine months will result in changes to your body that may frustrate you, but the end result can be wonderful. Stay on your dental care during this time, too, because you’ll soon have reason to smile.…
Tag: dental
Your Child’s Toothpaste Needs Minimum Fluoride Content for Most Affordable Dental Care
Affordable dental care is not the easiest thing to find. One of the best ways to keep dental costs low is to always use preventative measures.
The best oral hygiene habit may be brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
There are a couple of reasons to brush with fluoride toothpaste:
It can prevent dental decay. Using this kind of paste is a great way to protect your teeth from cavities or any form of dental decay. The Cochrane Oral Health Group which is based at the School of Dentistry at the University of Manchester has shown that these pastes reduce tooth decay by 24% more than non-fluoride products.
You can prevent more costly treatments. Brushing with fluoride can protect yourself from expensive procedures such as root canals — brushing your teeth is a simple route to affordable dental care.
A warning against the over-use of fluoride
According to a study by The Cochrane Oral Health Group, children under six years who ingest large amounts of fluoride in the form of toothpaste have a higher risk of developing fluorosis. That is a good reason for children under six years to not using a toothpaste with a high fluoride content.
Fluoridated toothpaste can cause fluorosis. Though it can protect your mouth, this helpful chemical can also be harmful if used excessively. Fluorosis is a condition caused by ingestion of excessive amounts of this chemical. It can cause discoloration or mottling of the teeth, especially in children.
This situation is avoidable if you get a toothpaste with a healthy fluoride content. In that same study, it suggested having a toothpaste with a lower concentration. The study recommends that children use a toothpaste with no more than 1,400 parts per million (PPM). This is key to avoiding fluorosis and maintaining affordable dental care.
Get a toothpaste for your child that has no more than 1,400 PPM and no less than 1,000 PPM of fluoride. If the toothpaste has more than 1,400 PPM, it can cause fluorosis. This is something to avoid for both the sake of health and for the appearance of your child’s teeth. If the toothpaste has less than 1,000 PPM, then only as effective as non-fluoridated toothpaste at preventing tooth decay.
Once the child is past six years old, the potential danger of getting advanced fluorosis has past. It may still be a good idea to keep the fluoride content of your toothpaste low for other health reasons and so that you can maintain affordable dental care. Make sure that your toothpaste is in the 1,400-1,000 PPM range, and you will get all the benefits of this tooth-protecting chemical with less of the risk.…
Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Teeth can discolour with time as the outer layer of enamel wears away allowing the darker inner layer of dentine to show through. Teeth can also appear discoloured due to developmental blemishes. Fortunately, stained or discoloured teeth can usually be treated with tooth whitening procedures. Tooth whitening is a safe procedure when done by a qualified dentist and typically involves a custom made tray being made to hold the bleaching gel in contact with your teeth. Instructions regarding the wearing of the tray will be provided by your dentist who will also review your progress. Results are usually seen within two weeks. Tooth whitening procedures may also be carried out in the chair by dentists. For advice on the best method for you, it is important to talk to a qualified dentist. Tooth Whitening may not be appropriate for all people.
Veneers are another way to create a beautiful smile and are one of the most preferred cosmetic dental treatments. Veneers are made from thin tooth coloured materials which are carefully bonded to the front of your tooth. Veneers can be used to alter the appearance of teeth which are chipped or worn, slightly misaligned/gappy, discoloured or simply not quite the right shape (often used where a tooth is too small). Veneers can be made from a ceramic material like porcelain) which requires an impression and a couple of dental visits, or they can be applied directly to the tooth surface in a single visit using composite resin. Once complete they look very natural. Whilst veneers are not suitable for all teeth, your dentist can advise you on your individual circumstances.
Crowns are another cosmetic dental treatments option. Crowns are a custom made restoration which fits over the prepared existing natural tooth. Crowns can be an effective option for addressing concerns such as broken, chipped, discoloured or weakened teeth. As well as improving the appearance of a tooth, crowns add durability and stability to your bite and assist in strengthening a weak or compromised tooth. Crowns are typically made from porcelain (or an alternative ceramic) or a precious metal. Because they are created uniquely for your mouth, they can be designed to blend with your existing teeth and enhance your overall smile.…
Helpful Dental Care Tips
We all want to have a white, healthy smile, but it takes more than just brushing to get that perfect smile. While going to the dentist is a great way to get information on taking care of your teeth, there are a few tips that your dentist may forget to give you. Regularly visiting your dentist is one of the most important things that you can do to care for your teeth, but before your next visit, use these tips to keep your smile looking great.
1. Take your time when you brush. Many people brush for as little as thirty to sixty seconds, which isn’t long enough to remove most of the plaque that develops as you sleep. Instead, you should brush for at least two minutes each time you brush. While you should brush after each meal, when you wake up, and before you go to sleep, it is the before and after bedtime brushing that is the most important.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. While sports drinks, soda, and coffee are the things we consume most, water is the best drink for your teeth. Staying adequately hydrated is good for your teeth- and the rest of your body- so be sure to drink enough water each day. Avoid drinks that contain carbonation, sugar, or caffeine because they can actually damage your teeth and do little to rehydrate you.
3. Watch out for the signs of oral cancer. Many patients don’t pay enough attention to their mouths, which is why oral cancer often goes undiagnosed and is one of the most fatal types of cancer. Look for problems in your mouth such as lesions, red bumps, or spots, talk to your dentist about it as soon as possible.
4. Bleeding gums mean an unhealthy mouth. If your gums bleed a little after brushing or flossing, there is no need to worry. However, if your gums are bleeding constantly, it is a sign that there is something wrong. Your dentist can help you treat this infection and stop the bleeding- but only if you make an appointment.
5. An unhealthy mouth means an unhealthy body. Your mouth has a major impact on the rest of your body, and keeping your mouth healthy can lead to better overall health. There is a strong link between gum disease and stroke and heart attack, and infections that start in the mouth can affect the rest of your body. Taking care of your teeth can help you look and feel healthier.
Caring for your teeth, mouth, and gums is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and looks. While brushing each day is a great place to start, caring for your mouth takes a little more attention. Your dentist can give you ideas on ways to keep your mouth healthy, and can help you find ways to address any problems you are having with your smile. Finding a dentist you are comfortable with is one of the smartest ways to care for your overall health.…
How to Choose Among Dental Care Products?
It is difficult to choose the best of dental care products with so many of them introduced to the market. Here’s a handful of information the readers may find useful when researching what kind of dental care products to buy.
Toothpastes
It goes without saying that toothpaste must contain fluoride as it prevents cavities. As for the other aspects, choose the toothpaste that feels best whether it’s a gel, or paste. Regardless of the taste, they all work alike. However, if you have some specific problem that concerns your oral cavity, like sensitivity, gum disease or plaque on teeth, look for dental care products that are aimed at fighting your problem. To make sure that the toothpaste and mouth rinse you chose are effective and the advertising tags on the package are scientifically supported, seek the products which have received the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) Seal of Acceptance.
Toothbrushes
A toothbrush is one of the most important dental care products used every day by millions of people around the world. Most dentists would recommend those with soft bristles, especially when a person suffers from teeth or gums sensitivity. If the bristles fan out or spread, which usually happens after three months of using a toothbrush, it means that it has to be replaced with a new one. We can distinguish two basic types of toothbrushes: manual and electrically powered. Both types are equally advantageous to your oral hygiene, providing that they are used correctly and effectively. However, using electric toothbrush makes it easier to brush teeth in the way recommended by dentists. Apart from that, they are more convenient in cleaning teeth with braces and other orthodontic appliances, they remove more plaque, minimize tooth staining and are more fun to use.
Mouth Rinses
Mouthwashes and rinses not only freshen your breath, but when combined with brushing and flossing they contribute to reduction of bacteria in dental plaque and prevent gum diseases and tooth decay. Not all of them are suitable for kids though, as some dental care products contain alcohol. The dentist or the hygienist would be able to recommend the type of rinse that would be the most effective and the safest for you and your kids.…
Top 7 Reasons For Frequent Cleanings With Your Dental Plan Coverage
There are many key reasons why attending consistent cleanings is important to your overall oral health and well-being. These appointments are necessary to keep your teeth happy, healthy, and long-lasting! Here are the top 7 reasons to have your teeth cleaned thoroughly and frequently at your dentist.
1. Maintain overall dental health. As you attend regular cleanings, your dentist is able to keep a close eye on any changes in your oral health. Your dentist will help you maintain clean, healthy teeth while closely monitoring your individual mouth’s situation.
2. Flash a brighter smile. Most people want to attend teeth cleanings to brighten their smiles – whether to impress coworkers, family members, or even the opposite sex! A teeth cleaning can help clear up many unattractive tooth discolorations from staining substances such as coffee and tobacco. Even if a sparkling smile is your only reason for scheduling cleanings, consistent cleanings will grant you a myriad of other long-term benefits.
3. Detect arising oral problems early on. When you attend frequent cleanings, your dentist can detect arising oral problems far earlier than if you wait until you are in excruciating pain to darken the door of a dentist’s office! Early detection is key in resolving any major health issue – the earlier any severe oral problem such as a cavity or abscess is addressed, the better.
4. Prevent bad breath. Good oral hygiene is the #1 way to prevent bad breath! Tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth increases your chances of developing bad breath. Dental hygienists often achieve a far more thorough cleaning than you can accomplish by brushing alone – cleanings eliminate plaque for your best breath possible!
5. Use your insurance or dental plan. Many an insurance or dental plan will pay for a certain number of cleanings per year. Take full advantage of these appointments to get the most for the money that you pay to an insurance company — if you pay for an insurance, then you might as well use it! A discount dental plan may even discount an unlimited number of cleanings per year.
6. Reduce your chances of developing gingivitis and severe gum disease. When you attend your regular cleanings, your dentist is able to check your mouth for the beginnings of gingivitis and more severe gum disease. Early detection is crucial in resolving these diseases as painlessly as possible!
7. Prevent oral cancer. The more often your dentist sees inside your mouth, the more ability he or she has to check for oral cancer — early diagnosis of oral cancer may save your life.
You can be motivated to attend regular cleanings for more reasons than just whiter teeth! Though cleanings may feel like a chore, they are truly an investment in your long-term oral health. Considering the many benefits associated with frequent cleanings, be sure to attend two or more per year as recommended by your dentist.…
The Importance of Having a Discount Dental Plan
What are discount Dental Plans?
A discount Dental Plan is the way to go. Keeping our dental health in good condition is so important and with a discount dental health plan it can also be very affordable. Having one of these plans is like an association where the dental providers have agreed to offer the services at a discounted rate, perfect for both families and individuals. It is not the same as costly dental plan insurance. Once you join all you have to do is show your membership card when you show up at the dental office. These discounted dental plans are not costly insurance plans, they are discount programs that can save you substantial amount of money on your dental visits.
What discount Dental Plan to Chose?
When making a decision on what plan to chose simply look for a dentist in your area and see the plans they are associated with. While keeping the cost and benefits offered in mind, an informed decision can be made according to your desired wants and needs. Getting started with any of these plans is simple and quick; you simply pay the fee using your credit card or debit card and you have instant access to you plan right online. Many of the plans come with a 30 day. No questions asked money back guarantee, meaning that if you are not happy with the offerings or services, you can get a refund within 30 days. How perfect is that?
Some plans even offer impressive savings on cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening, bonding and veneers. Also, since your new plan will activate within 3 business days and do not have any health restrictions, you won’t need to wait 6 to 18 months to receive the dental care you need. These plans are an affordable, easy-to-use and hassle-free solution for anyone looking for dental care savings.
Time to Use Your New Discount Dental Plan
Once you have selected the plan of your choice and joined, you are able to start using the plan right away without any waiting period. Benefits for most discounted dental plans are activated within 72 hours from enrolling.
When you are ready to use the dental health plan, just call up the dental provider of your choice and set an appointment. When you reach the dentist to keep your appointment, you just show your plan card and the provider will see to it that you are charged at the lower discounted price.
You pay for the provider at the time of service. The beauty of this is that you have gotten affordable dental care without all of the hassles of paperwork and filing insurance claims.…