How We Can Help
Gum disease begins with gingivitis—an infection caused by bacteria found in plaque. If it is left untreated, the disease can progress to exhibit several painful symptoms, including receding gums, tooth loss, and more. Our in-house periodontists provide several treatments which vary depending on the condition of your gums.
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
- Gums that bleed easily
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer than usual
While gum disease is asymptomatic in its earliest stages, there are a few risk factors for periodontitis to be aware of in order to catch this illness before it can really take hold. If you suffer from chronic stress, bruxism, diabetes, or have a genetic predisposition to the disease, you may be at higher risk. Also, smoking, certain medications, and poor nutrition can increase the likelihood of getting gum disease. If you meet any of these criteria, be certain to schedule your routine check-up right away to take the necessary preventative measures.
About Dental Care During Pregnancy:
Congratulations! We are so excited for you as you embark on your journey into motherhood. Whether this is your first or you’ve been through the process before, we promise to be there for you and your child(ren) for all your dental needs.
Most of our dental professionals have had the opportunity to see their patients grow into adulthood. From their first dental visit to hearing about their wedding plans, we take great pride in watching them grow into healthy adults.
Your body is changing, and so are your gums and teeth!
It’s important for you to take special care of your teeth during this time as pregnancy causes hormonal changes that may increase the risk of developing gum disease. Below are some tips to help you maintain good oral health during your pregnancy:
Dental Care While Pregnant
Always tell your dentist (and doctor) if you are pregnant. All elective dental procedures, such as whitening, for example, should be postponed until after the delivery.
Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all drugs you are taking, including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information. Certain drugs such as tetracycline can affect the development of your child’s teeth and should not be given during pregnancy.
We always try to avoid x-rays during pregnancy. If X-rays are essential (such as in a dental emergency), your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer. Our digital x-ray system allows for extremely low radiation exposure.
Don’t skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you are pregnant. Now more than ever, regular periodontal (gum) exams are very important because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for tender gums that bleed easily, a condition otherwise known as pregnancy gingivitis. Pay attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling occurs at any time, talk with your dentist as soon as possible.
Coping with Morning Sickness
If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend brands.
Rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse if you suffer from morning sickness and have bouts of frequent vomiting.
Eating Right for Your Teeth and Baby
Avoid sugary snacks. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy, however, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay. Additionally, some studies have shown that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to baby. So be mindful of what you eat!
Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of essential minerals and are beneficial for baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.
At Dawson, we treat our patients like family, and we are truly passionate about providing care that is curated to your life, that’s why our staff is trained to understand the unique dental concerns for women who are pregnant.
If you’re expecting and have questions about your oral health, we’re here for you! Call us today.
Book Your Free Appointment
We invite you to book a complimentary consultation so we can better understand your dental concerns, discuss the available treatment options and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you!