There are many health concerns which must be addressed by pregnant women. Examples include (but are certainly not limited to) getting plenty of sleep, eating the right foods, and using specific vitamin supplements. Unfortunately, oral health is often overlooked.

This can cause potentially serious issues that may impact the development of the fetus before birth. What are some potential hazards — and what steps can soon-to-be mothers take to ensure that their child remains healthy? Let’s take a look at what the professionals have to say.

Gum Disease and Gingivitis

While some women may temporarily experience bleeding gums, the presence of gum disease is always a cause for concern. This signals that bacteria have spread below the gumline and in some cases, into the bloodstream. 

Studies have linked gum disease to serious conditions such as low birth weight and premature births. This is why it is important to have this condition evaluated and addressed as soon as possible. 

The Surprising Role of Cavities

Another interesting finding involves pregnant women who have one or more cavities. Once again, the presence of cavities is an indication of bacteria within the oral cavity. If a cavity is left untreated, this bacteria could very well be transmitted to a developing fetus. 

A pregnant woman who does not address cavities will give birth to a child that is three times as likely to suffer from tooth decay. Thus, always be sure to have the condition of your teeth checked on a regular basis (even if you do not believe any cavities are present).

Always Adopt a Proactive Approach

Some women falsely believe that dental work is dangerous during their pregnancy. Thankfully, nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s also remember that those with existing conditions (such as gum disease) may begin to experience worse symptoms when they are pregnant. 

The best way to avoid these complications is to speak with your dentist at the first sign of trouble. Also, make it a point to schedule regular appointments for check-ups as well as for timely cleanings. 

Regarding the health of your unborn child, nothing should be taken for granted. With a bit of foresight and by adopting a proactive mindset, the health of your little one will be optimal

While a root canal may have been painful in the past, that’s no longer true. With advancements in dental tools and microscopes, a root canal can be performed without any complications — and perhaps more importantly, patients will remain comfortable at all times. 

Let’s look at some impressive innovations and how they are now applied when dealing with an infected tooth.

All About the Instrumentation

Due to cutting-edge machining techniques, the instruments used in a typical root canal are much more precise than in the past. These are then combined with powerful magnification techniques to ensure that the infection is removed — and that nearby tissues are now damaged). 

Furthermore, these tools allow the process to be completed within a much quicker period of time. And a local anesthetic ensures you will feel comfortable and pain-free during the treatment. Patients will obviously be pleased with such benefits!

The Targeted Use of Anaesthesia

local anaesthesia is the main reason why root canals are no longer painful. As opposed to general sedatives — which will often result in feelings of grogginess and disorientation — local anaesthesia does not impact your entire body. 

A dentist will administer this anaesthesia before the procedure begins and once it has taken full effect, you will not feel any type of pain. While you might be slightly sore once the anaesthesia wears off, this is a small price to pay when we consider the negative consequences of leaving an infected tooth untreated. 

Crowns and Fillings Have Become Commonplace

In the past, the use of a dental crown following a root canal was not commonplace. This slightly increased the risk that a tooth could become re-infected. Crowns are now nearly always used. Also, fillings are applied in a different manner before the crown is put into place. The use of warm gutta percha increases the density of this filling, helping to strengthen the tooth itself.

We can now see that root canals have evolved in leaps and bounds over the past few decades. this is why it makes little sense to fear such a treatment if it is required. Should you suspect that a problem is present, be sure to speak with your dentist as soon as possible. You will be amazed with the solutions at your disposal!

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When was the last time that you visited the dentist? Do you schedule regular appointments or are they put off until the last possible minute? 

The simple fact of the matter is that dental appointments are pivotal if we hope avoid serious problems. Simply stated, oral health should never be taken for granted. 

What are some of the reasons why visiting the dentist is absolutely essential in regard to your teeth and gums? What types of issues can be averted by embracing a more proactive stance? Let’s take a look at these questions in a bit more detail.

Catching Problems at an Early Stage

One primary concern is associated with spotting a potential issue before real damage occurs. For instance, it is much easier to treat a minor cavity as opposed to performing an entire root canal due to the presence of a massive infection. 

In the same respect, it is often possible to reverse the effects of receding gums before they develop into periodontal disease. As many individuals will not notice that a problem is present until it is too late, scheduling an appoint with a dentist is the best way to remain one step ahead of the game. 

Your dentist can also detect conditions like bruxism (grinding teeth), sleep apnea or acid reflux by just looking at your teeth.

A Bit of Preventative Maintenance Goes a Long Way

We need to remember that dentists can also help to ensure a bright and attractive smile even if no major issues are present. For example, they will give teeth a good cleaning to brighten teeth and remove plaque — and can use whitening techniques if your teeth are stained. 

Some might also provide fluoride treatments, an excellent way to maintain the health and durability of your tooth enamel. There could also be times when a series of x-rays will be performed if you are considering corrective orthodontic measures such as braces or the Invisalign system. 

Taking the First Step

Thanks to how far this technology has evolved in recent years, even those with severe dental anxiety should put their fears aside. After all, it makes a great deal of sense to consult with an expert at the first sign of trouble if you hope to avoid serious complications. 

If you happen to fear the dentist, be sure to discuss these feelings. Your dentist will be more than happy to provide additional options so that you can obtain targeted solutions at the appropriate times. 

Read more at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/dont-let-avoiding-the-dentist-cause-irreversible-harm-to-your-smile/

Certain diseases are associated with hereditary risks. For instance, cancer, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure risks can have a genetic component. 

However, did you know that the health of your teeth and gums might also be influenced by factors which are not necessarily within your complete control? The good news is, you can offset the potential risks. 

Gum Disease

A growing body of evidence suggests that gum disease may be impacted by genetics. For example, you are at a higher risk of developing this condition if at least one of your parents has been diagnosed in the past. Other variables such as environmental factors and lifestyle habits will also play a crucial role. 

Tooth Decay

We are all aware that proper brushing and flossing alongside a healthy diet are some of the best ways to prevent cavities. However, your genes will also have an influence upon your susceptibility to tooth decay. Other evidence suggests that harmful bacteria may be passed from children due to poor hygienic practices (such as when sharing eating utensils). 

Once again, embracing the proper oral care habits is the best way to mitigate these factors. It has likewise been shown that the development of healthy tooth enamel can be influenced by genetic factors. 

Misaligned Teeth

Crooked teeth share a hereditary component. In other words, parents who may have required orthodontic work in the past are more likely to pass this trait to their child. The issue here is that such misalignments can also lead to oral health problems due to the fact that crooked teeth are harder to clean. 

Taking a Proactive Stance

It is clear to see that genes can have a profound impact upon the health of our teeth and gums. However, it is just as important to highlight other factors that are well within our control. 

Always be sure to adopt the proper brushing and flossing techniques. Implement a healthy diet and drink plenty of water so that your mouth remains hydrated. Speak with your dentist at the first sign of trouble, as small issues can be corrected before they become more serious problems. 

Do you often grind your teeth? Do you awake in the morning with a sore jaw or unexplained headaches? If so, you may be suffering from a condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. 

TMJ disorder can sometimes occur if the jaw joints do not properly align with one another. As a result, the process of biting becomes more challenging. This places stress upon the surrounding bones, ligaments and muscles. This is also the reason why those who regularly grind their teeth (bruxism) will often exhibit physical signs of damage (such as worn enamel or chips). 

It is likewise important to point out that stress can also play a role on occasion. Some individuals inadvertently grind their teeth, possibly exacerbating the symptoms of TMJ disorder. The issue here is that this often occurs during the overnight hours. However, you will be pleased to learn that dentists have developed a handful of effective treatment options. Let’s take a look at your choices as well as what each entails. 

How Will Professionals Treat TMJ Disorder? 

One approach will involve the use of a customised mouthguard. It is moulded around the unique dimensions of your mouth and it will be worn during the overnight hours. The main intention of this device is to prevent your upper and lower teeth from grinding against one another. 

You might also be fitted with a series of splints. These splints will normally fit over either your top or bottom set of teeth. Their purpose is to slowly guide your jaw into a more natural position, helping to reduce discomfort while lessening the chances that grinding will occur.

This condition can also be related to psychological stress Everyone reacts to stress differently. Some individuals unconsciously grind their teeth against one another (this is known as bruxism within the dental community). 

While mouthguards and splints may help, it is just as important to recognise the symptoms of stress so that you can discover healthier coping mechanisms (such as meditating, exercise or performing a fun activity). 

The bottom line is that TMJ disorder can cause significant damage to your teeth and mouth if remains unchecked. it is therefore crucial to speak with your dentist if you suspect that you may be suffering from this condition. 

Braces are some of the most popular orthodontic treatments on the market due to their well-established benefits. However, some children may be wary about being fitted — as they don’t want the noticeable metal braces or the discomfort. 

One interesting alternative which has a growing popularity involves a system known as Damon braces. How do these braces function and what benefits can they provide — for children and adults?

A Quick Look at Damon Braces

Traditional metal braces involve a series of metal brackets that are connected to rubber bands. The main intention is to straighten crooked teeth over time by applying certain amounts of pressure to specific areas. 

However, the aesthetics of metal braces leave much to be desired. Another potential drawback is the fact that the rubber bands can be painful due to the amount of pressure that they place upon nearby teeth.

Damon braces do not suffer from these pitfalls. The brackets themselves are clear, with the appearance of natural tooth enamel. Damon braces also utilise a system that does not require rubber bands. Therefore, children will experience much less discomfort throughout the treatment — key to a successful outcome. 

Convenience and Simplicity

Children are often wary about visiting the dentist or orthodontist. The good news is that Damon braces will not need to be adjusted as frequently. Fewer sessions equate to less pain immediately after an adjustment. This is great news for children and adults alike. 

The rather unobtrusive nature of Damon braces is likewise important in terms of cleaning and maintenance. As food particles are less likely to become trapped around the brackets, the chances of developing tooth decay are dramatically reduced. Children can also brush and floss with less effort, crucial in terms of avoiding issues such as cavities and gum disease. 

We can now begin to appreciate why Damon braces are becoming popular for both children and adults alike. 

Would you like to learn more about how these unique systems function? Are Damon braces the right choice for your child or teenager — or for an adult?

In either case, speak with Danny the Dentist. He will be able to explain this system in greater detail and to point you in the right direction.