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Should You Worry About Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy?

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prenancy
Any time your gums are bleeding, it’s cause for concern. However, most women don’t realize that this occurrence is fairly common during pregnancy. In fact, nearly half of all women will experience bleeding gums when they’re in the family way.

This is due to a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. What is pregnancy gingivitis? Should you be worried? Can it be treated, or even prevented? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?

As you probably know, pregnancy can wreak havoc on your hormones, and this can lead to a number of changes in your body. You might be surprised to learn that your hormones can affect your gums, though.

In fact, the progesterone in your body can increase the growth of bacteria in your mouth that is responsible for the formation of plaque. In addition, it can cause your gums to become more sensitive to the plaque that develops. This can result in mild to severe gingivitis.

What are the symptoms?

There are several symptoms associated with pregnancy gingivitis, ranging from mild redness and swelling to severe discomfort and bleeding. Less common is the growth of benign (non-cancerous) nodules, or pregnancy tumors, that may cause discomfort and bleed during brushing.

Your symptoms should disappear following childbirth, but naturally you’ll want to take steps to prevent symptoms if at all possible, or at least alleviate the condition should it occur. There’s a lot you can do.

How Can I Protect My Gums?

The best way to protect the health of your gums is to take good care of them by brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals, as well as scheduling regular dental visits to receive professional assessment and care. If you have poor oral health or gingivitis prior to becoming pregnant, there’s a good chance pregnancy will make it worse.

It is therefore imperative to address oral health issues prior to pregnancy, or at least once you know you’ve conceived. What if your oral health is great before pregnancy and you’re diligent about dental care?

With proper oral care, you may never develop pregnancy gingivitis. If you do, however, it’s best to consult with your dentist about treatment options. Extra dental visits may be necessary until after childbirth.

If you develop pregnancy tumors and they impair your ability to eat, speak, or function, you can have them removed under local anesthesia, although you may want to treat the symptoms first (often plaque and bacteria) and wait for them to disappear following childbirth.

What Can Cause a Dulled Sense of Taste?

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dull sense og eating
Did you know that our sense of taste is broken up into five flavor categories? We experience sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory taste profiles – at least when our taste buds are working as they should.

However, you might start to notice that certain foods (or all foods) aren’t as tasty as they used to be. You might lose the ability to taste altogether, and this can be alarming. It can impact your enjoyment of eating.

How does this happen? Is it permanent? What causes our taste buds to fail? Here are a few things you should know.

Taste and Smell

In case you didn’t know, our sense of taste is linked to our sense of smell. When your sense of smell is impacted, it can mess with your ability to taste, even though issues with taste don’t necessarily affect your olfactory sense. Your problem may not be your taste buds at all if you notice that both smell and taste seem to be impaired.

If you’re suffering from a cold, flu, allergies, or sinus or throat infections that impact your airways, there’s a good chance both your sense of smell and taste will be impacted. Often, these symptoms are temporary and will disappear once you are well again. In rare cases, impaired smell or taste may last longer or even be permanent.

Injuries

When taste buds are damaged, your sense of taste will almost certainly suffer, so if you experience trauma, such as an injury or burn to the surface of the tongue, don’t be surprised if taste is dulled. In some cases, taste buds will heal and fully recover. If trauma is severe, dulled taste may be permanent.

Drugs

If you use tobacco products, they can definitely affect your sense of taste. You can also experience problems if you are deficient in certain vitamins like B-12 and zinc. You could also have some issues with taste if you take certain medications, such as thyroid or cancer treatments. Talk to your doctor and/or dentist about the connection between drugs and a dulled sense of taste.

Oral Health

If you suffer from poor oral health, a dulled sense of taste is a common symptom. Serious oral health concerns like gingivitis and periodontitis can result in a dulled sense of taste, among other issues.

If you experience dulled sense of taste and you’re not sure why, schedule a dental appointment to check the condition of your mouth and consult with a professional for diagnosis and treatment options. In some cases, swift action can reduce the risk of lasting damage.

Why Does Tooth Enamel Erode?

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tooth enamel
Tooth enamel erodes throughout life because of many factors. The foods and drinks we consume contain acid that can eat away at it. Saliva is an important part of the battle against enamel erosion; it can neutralize acid and nourish the teeth with calcium.

Stomach acid can be problematic as well. Conditions such as gastro esophageal reflux disease can cause stomach acids to reach the mouth, which are very conducive to eroding tooth enamel. A dry mouth can restrict how much saliva is available, so the teeth are not as protected as they otherwise would be. Common drinks that contain citric acid or phosphoric acid, and even fruit drinks, can be very erosive. Other factors include medications such as antihistamines and aspirin, genetics, and normal wear and tear.

Environmental Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion

Friction from teeth grinding can damage enamel. Bruxism is a condition in which a person clenches or grinds their teeth involuntarily while they are sleeping. Tooth-to-tooth friction that can cause erosion is called attrition. There are also many abrasive factors. Hard toothbrushes or brushing too hard can wear down the tooth surface, as can flossing improperly or biting on pens, bottle caps, or fingernails.

A process called abfraction can erode enamel because stress fractures in the tooth degrade it. The tooth can flex or bend, leading to cracks and vulnerable enamel. Exposure to corrosive acids is particularly damaging, as already stated, but certain vitamins, medications, and other elements associated with one’s habits can lead to erosion that can leave the underlying dentine exposed.

Plaque and Enamel Erosion

Comprising bacteria, saliva, and food particles, plaque forms on the surface of teeth as a sticky film. It can get inside holes and recesses in teeth, and even under the gum line. There are some bacteria that can turn food starts into corrosive acids that eat away at the enamel. Pits that form in the enamel can grow and increase in number over time.

Bad Habits Exacerbate the Problem

Consuming acidic foods and beverages, snacking frequently throughout the day, and not drinking enough water can increase enamel erosion. Drinking water improves saliva volume to protect the teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol does as well. Without enough saliva, teeth-strengthening materials may not be present, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay; following some important tips can at least slow down any erosion so enamel can be maintained for longer.

6 Shocking Alternative Uses for Toothpaste

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toothpaste
You may not think of toothpaste for anything other than brushing your teeth. But the fact of the matter is that it’s pretty amazing and has plenty of other uses besides cleaning your mouth. You may be shocked at these six strange yet entirely true alternative uses for toothpaste.

1. Cell Phone Glass

If there is one thing we all use more than anything else in our lives, it’s our cell phone. If your iPhone or Android has a few scrapes just take a little toothpaste and rub the affected areas. Let it sit for a minute or two and then take a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe it off. You’ll be amazed at the results and you can even try doing it with watch crystals and eyeglasses lenses as well.

2. Automobile Imperfections

Much like with your cell phone glass, the paint job on your automobile is also going to take some serious wear and tear from constant use. Try using a little toothpaste to remove those unseemly scrapes, apply it to the scratch, and use a damp sponge or chamois to rub it in a circular motion. When you’re done, wipe it off with a dry cloth. Careful about applying too much elbow grease as you could eat away at the paint.

3. Fine Silver and Brass

These delicate items can also be replenished with a little bit of toothpaste. Scrub the affected areas and then rinse completely. Use a good polish after to retain that sheen. For particularly deep scratches where some toothpaste has become stuck, just take a toothbrush and remove it with some water.

4. Acne Treatment

Don’t have any Clearasil around? No problem, you can apply some toothpaste to those blemishes on your face as it will minimize redness and help to bring up the puss that is building up within the pimple. A mint toothpaste is the best choice for the job, apply a little bit to the area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wash it off and put a moisturizing lotion on afterward to avoid drying out your skin.

5. Defogging Agent

You’ve taken a shower and the mirrors are all fogged up. You don’t want to wipe them clear or else you could leave a residue. Next time, smear some toothpaste on them before-hand and then wipe it off. That will keep the mirrors from getting all cloudy.

6. Clean Shower Doors

Yes you can use toothpaste to clean the doors of your shower stall. Apply some paste and rub in circles until you can see through them clearly. You may need to repeat the process every couple of months to keep them looking their best.

The Most Common Oral Health Concerns for Seniors

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oral health
Among the many challenges that seniors face when it comes to their welfare, oral health can be one of the most difficult to maintain. There are a variety of factors that come into play when proper oral care is not being followed and it can lead to significant health concerns that can have an effect on their physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the most common issues that seniors face with respect to oral hygiene:

Cavities and Tooth Loss

As we age, we are at a higher risk of getting cavities than even young children. The loss of teeth is also a much greater concern for those age 65 and over. That’s why it’s so important to protect those teeth you still have by avoiding sugary foods and cleaning them regularly. Flossing and rinsing with a mild mouthwash can also help fight back against cavities and tooth loss.

Gum Disease

The condition of your mouth has a direct correlation with your overall health. If your oral health is poor that can lead to other medical issues from heart disease to infections. The truth is many seniors are currently suffering from some form of gum disease yet they feel that they are helpless to do much of anything about it. Routine brushing, flossing, and regular checkups with your dentist are all effective ways to battle against gum disease and keep the rest of you healthy at the same time.

Discolored Teeth

The body starts to break down as we get older, that includes the enamel on your teeth. When this occurs, that can lead to discoloration of the teeth and the best way to prevent this from happening is by avoiding foods and beverages that can stain teeth. Smoking is a very bad habit that isn’t healthy for you and it can also stain your teeth.

Denture Maintenance

If you currently wear dentures it’s important to care for them as if they were real teeth. Poor denture care can result in many oral health issues from bad breath to plaque build up beneath the denture appliance. Ill-fitting dentures may also lead to oral injury or irritation and these can turn into bigger problems if left unchecked. That’s why it is so important that any denture work must be carefully cleaned and properly fit inside the mouth. The longer the problem remains, the worse it can become later on down the line.

Treatment Options for Broken or Knocked Out Teeth

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Whether you’re involved in sports that could lead to chipped, cracked, and broken teeth, you grind your teeth at night, or you’ve suffered infections and tooth decay that led to breakage or tooth loss, you probably want to address the problem immediately. Leaving such issues untreated can be harmful to your health and impact your appearance.

Luckily, there are a wide variety of options to consider when it comes to treating broken or missing teeth. In some cases, a tooth that has been knocked out can be reattached if it is intact, but you’ll need to keep it moist and get to the dentist immediately.

Generally speaking, however, you may have to consider other options, depending on the level of trauma to the tooth and surrounding tissue. Here are a just a few potential treatments for broken or knocked out teeth.

Filling

A chip or break need not spell disaster or major expense. In some cases, a simple filling may be able to protect your tooth from further harm.

Bonding

Dental bonding may be used in a variety of situations, including damage to teeth like cracks, chips, and minor breaks. In such instances, bonding material is applied to the tooth, sculpted to regain the original appearance, and then dried, hardened, and polished. Bonding generally lasts up to ten years and is a relatively affordable option in instances of minimal damage.

Crown

If the damage to your tooth is more extensive than a filling or bonding can repair, you may have to opt for a crown that provides more coverage for your tooth. In cases of broken teeth, this is one of the most common treatment options to protect the remaining natural tooth and restore your smile.

Veneers

Extensive veneers can be expensive, but you don’t necessarily have to cover your entire grill – veneers can be applied to only damaged teeth, provided that enough of the tooth remains to attach the facing. A veneer will be custom made to approximate the size and shape of the original tooth. Once it is ready, you’ll return to have it attached to the tooth.

Dental Implant

If you’re dealing with outright tooth loss, replacement may be the only option. In this case, you could opt for bridgework or dentures, but dental implants are the best treatment as they are permanent, long-lasting, convenient, attractive, and offer the same function and convenience as a natural tooth.

4 Effective Ways to Combat Gum Disease

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gum disease
Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that can impact your overall health if not treated. Here are just a few of the most effective ways to combat or prevent gum disease.

1. Proper oral hygiene

You have more control than you think when it comes to keeping gingivitis, periodontitis, and gum disease at bay. Proper oral hygiene can go a long way toward eliminating the bacteria that leads to tartar and plaque buildup responsible for gum disease.

Your daily regimen should include brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash after every meal to clear away food particulates and bacteria. You should perform this routine a minimum of twice a day without fail, and if you don’t have time or opportunity to brush after every meal, at least try to rinse your mouth with water to flush away leftover food.

2. Dietary adjustments

The foods and beverages you consume can have a marked impact on your oral health. For example, sugary items provide an ideal food source for bacteria, while acidic foods and beverages eat away at your enamel, allowing rot and infection to infiltrate.

By cutting back on such items you can reduce damage to teeth and your oral health in general. You can also add dairy to your diet to strengthen teeth, as well as drink plenty of water to aid in the natural flushing performed by saliva. Don’t forget that using tobacco products can be extremely detrimental to your oral health.

3. Regular dental cleanings

If you want to preserve the longevity of your teeth and promote proper oral health, regular dental visits for check-up, cleaning, and x-rays are a must. Your dentist can catch problems early and provide you with treatment and advice to prevent further damage, including the onset of gum disease.

4. Surgical options

In the worst-case scenario, you may need surgical intervention of some sort to combat gum disease and prevent tooth loss or other serious health complications. If you’ve tried medications, antibiotics, and everything else, your dentist may recommend a number of different surgical options.

Intensive treatments could include curettage, or scraping away infected areas; flap surgery, or lifting gums to remove tartar below the gum line and then sewing them back into place; guided tissue regeneration (often performed in concert with flap surgery); soft-tissue grafts; bone grafts; or even bone surgery.

None of these procedures are appealing, but they may become necessary when all other treatments options have been exhausted. With proper care, you can likely combat gum disease before it gets to this point.

What Happens When the Braces Come Off?

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After what felt like an eternity of wearing braces and never ending orthodontist appointments and adjustments the braces have finally come off. You are happy to flash that smile and show the world that brand new set of perfectly straight teeth. What you may not be ready for are some of the after effects that come from wearing braces for such a long time. What you may not have been prepared for is some pain and tenderness in your gums, mild discoloration of your teeth, and even some long term effects such as receding gumlines. Before your walk out of your orthodontist office it may be a good idea to discuss what some of these problems could be once the braces are gone and the best way to address all of them.

Why are my gums tender?

Once the braces are removed you will most likely be instructed to wear a retainer. The purpose of the retainer is to do just as it’s name says, retain the shape of your teeth. Your teeth may be fighting against their new alignment trying to move back to their old place. It isn’t unusual for teeth to feel sore especially when eating or for gums to be tender. Some of the swelling and tenderness can be relieved by taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen and using a soft bristled toothbrush without toothpaste to gently massage the gums.

How long before I can have them cleaned?

You may notice some discoloration especially around the area where the brackets were adhered to teeth. While you may want to have your teeth professionally cleaned or even whitened as soon as you can, it is a good idea to wait around a month for the swelling and tenderness in gums to subside.

Can I eat what I want?

Now that the braces are gone it is safe to indulge in a super sticky treat now and then but it is important to still take good care of your teeth. Don’t make eating sugary treats and snacks a habit and stick to a regular brushing and flossing routine. Choosing natural foods over processed sugar laden foods is better for your teeth and general health.

For more care tips and what to expect after braces be sure and visit with us at Austin Dental Center to discuss all of your aftercare options. We are here to help and can’t wait to see you flash your brand new smile.

It’s Never Too Late for a Straighter Smile

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There has never been a better time to look into the option of straightening your teeth with braces. Gone are the days when having teeth straightened was only for the awkward teenage years. If you have long wished your teeth were straighter and are still self-conscious about the way your smile looks there are options available that can get you feeling good about yourself and your smile for good. Not only is it common for adults to have braces nowadays there are many options besides the traditional silver metal brackets that are less noticeable or even practically invisible. Depending on the extent of the misalignment in your teeth and jaw will be a deciding factor in which type of braces are the best for you.

Traditional Braces

  • Underbite or overbite. Traditional braces which involve the use of metal brackets and sometimes spacers or bands are generally used to not only straighten teeth but also to correct misalignment in the jaw.
  • Cost. Metal brackets made of stainless steel are the least expensive option for braces and are therefore the most commonly seen.
  • Special care. It can be difficult to clean teeth carefully while wearing these braces as you don’t want to damage the brackets. Discoloration of teeth is also a possibility because of the brackets.

Ceramic Braces

  • Less noticeable. Ceramic braces are a more popular choice among adults since the brackets are made from clear ceramic. They perform the same as traditional stainless steel braces but are less noticeable on teeth.
  • Cost. The cost is a little higher than traditional braces but not as much an issue when being paid for as an adult.
  • Special care. Much the same as is needed while wearing traditional braces.

Invisalign

  • Tooth Straighteners. Clear aligners known mainly by the brand Invisalign are an extremely popular option as they are barely noticeable and invisible. These are an option when teeth simply need aligned and there is not a jaw alignment issue.
  • Cost. Invisalign can be more costly as a new set is made for each adjustment as teeth begin to come in line.
  • Special care. No special care is needed as aligners come off while you eat. The only issues may be that they can lose their form if removed too often and it is recommended not to drink anything too sugary while wearing them.

For more information on which braces are right for you see Dr. Glennon at Austin Dental Center. At Austin Dental we know that straighter teeth can mean more self-confidence and a happier smile.

4 Ways to Determine If Invisalign Is Right for You

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invisalign
Everyone looks better when they smile, yet not everyone has a smile they feel confident and proud enough to share with the world. Misaligned teeth, discolored enamel, broken or chipped incisors, and numerous other oral maladies affect millions of Americans nationwide, inhibiting them from looking and feeling their best. However, thanks largely in part to today’s technological and medical advancements in dentistry, it has become easier, more convenient, and more affordable to achieve the smile of your dreams.

One popular method for achieving that gorgeous, glowing grin is through a variety of orthodontic procedures and practices. The most common, of course, is the teeth-straightening effects of braces. Used to treat everything from overbites to under bites, crowded teeth to unevenly spaced incisors, braces offer an easy, pain-free fix for an imperfect pout. The only downside, of course, is their obvious appearance once applied. The recent advent of Invisalign, however, has made it possible to perfect one’s smile without the side effects of a fully outfitted metal mouth.

So, how do you know if Invisalign is right for you? Here are four easy ways to see if today’s top orthodontic treatment for correcting one’s smile is the right option.

1. How severe is your case?

Invisalign can offer great results without the obvious appearance of traditional braces, but it cannot fix every possible case of misaligned teeth. Severe cases often require more extensive dental work and more advanced orthodontic procedures. However, the majority of cases involving overbites, under bites, cross bites, crowded teeth, and/or gapped teeth can reap outstanding results from the use of Invisalign.

2. Are you old enough?

Invisalign is an option best suited for adults and individuals whose teeth are more mature. Due to the fact that the teeth of children and young teenagers are still forming during these early years, it is recommended that Invisalign only be used by those eighteen and older.

3. Can you commit to the responsibility?


Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is removable. They are not cemented into place within the mouth and therefore offer the option of being taken out at will. In fact, it is recommended that a person remove his or her Invisalign while eating and drinking, but beyond that, the aligners are intended to stay in place at every other moment. If you can ensure that you will follow your dentist’s instructions regarding wearing and removing your braces, then you are an apt candidate.

4. Have you taken Invisalign’s online assessment?

The easiest way to see if Invisalign is a good option is to take the company’s free, online Smile Assessment Test, This quick survey will help you determine how appropriate Invisalign is for you through a few quick questions regarding what you want fixed. In addition, an in-person consult with a qualified dentist or orthodontist can also help to identify if Invisalign is right for you.