Caring for Your Pregnancy Smile

Thursday, 30 August 2018 07:41

Lerner and Lemongello

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Pregnancy is an exciting time in a family; one during which virtually no one is thinking about dental care. Moms-to-be have far more exciting things to think about than their teeth, like their growing bump, those breathing techniques they read about, and the baby shower they can’t wait to attend. While there are good reasons to focus on the various exciting aspects of pregnancy, oral health is something to keep in mind. Here, we discuss why, and also offer some tips on how to keep your smile healthy during pregnancy.

It Isn’t Just Your Belly that Changes

Most of the focus of pregnancy is given to the ever-expanding belly. The changes that aren’t seen – but are definitely felt – involve your hormones. Of course, you realize that your hormones will change dramatically while you’re pregnant, but you may not know what this entails. For a woman to be able to give birth, her body must become more flexible, joints and all. To accomplish this, the body produces more of a particular hormone that affects all soft tissues, making them softer and more moveable. This is good for childbirth but may not be great for your gums.

The softening of gum tissue during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of plaque buildup just beneath the gumline. The gums may also bleed more easily during pregnancy, though this doesn’t present the same concern as the potential for gingivitis and gum disease.

How to Manage Oral Health During Pregnancy

First and foremost, it is essential to know that dental care is not off-limits during pregnancy. After about 20 weeks, it is safe to see the dentist for a routine checkup. No x-rays are taken, and cleaning may or may not be performed. The objective of this appointment is to observe teeth and gums and recommend oral care strategies that can be implemented at home. Basic tips for a healthy pregnancy smile include:

• Stay vigilant with brushing. Morning and night-time brushing is vital to gum health. No extra brushing is needed during the day, even if morning sickness causes vomiting.
• Don’t skip the floss! Nighttime flossing is ideal because it sends you to bed with the cleanest mouth possible.
• Don’t just drink lots of water, also swish water across your teeth. Swishing water reduces the acidity caused by nausea and vomiting without potentially abrading enamel that is softer as a result of that acidity.
• Let crunchy fruits and vegetables do the cleaning for you. Fresh foods with a crunch are great for cleaning your teeth in between meals.

Do you have questions about oral health during pregnancy? Call our Palm Beach Gardens office. We’re happy to talk with you.

Safe Travels: How to Maintain a Healthy Smile

Friday, 30 June 2017 06:08

Lerner and Lemongello

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Summertime is one of the best times of year to hit the road or to fly across the globe for some faraway adventure. Whether your summer plans include a trip to see Grandma and Grandpa or to observe the moon and stars from a dimly lit campground, it goes without saying that time away from the normal routine can feel both exhilarating and chaotic. Here, we outline a few simple things that you can do to protect your teeth and gums while making the most of the summertime fun.

1. Eat well. For many of us, a break from the normal daily routine can equate to mindless snacking and poor food choices. Even if your eating habits change only temporarily, there can be lasting effects from excessive amounts of sugar, alcohol, or processed foods. Maintain your smile by avoiding the temptation to graze all day long. Craving something sweet? Grab an apple, pear, or a bowl of strawberries! These foods have been noted for their teeth-cleaning and whitening capabilities.
2. Drink water. Staying hydrated is especially important during the hot summer months. Sipping on water throughout the day offers more benefits than pounding a glass every so often. This is because the acidity of the oral environment increases exponentially throughout the day. The more often you drink water, the less acidic your mouth should be. Also, drinking water after snacking or drinking any non-water beverage reduces sugar build-up and fights plaque.
3. Maintain your toothbrush! Toothbrushes can grow bacteria if they are not kept in a dry environment. Sometimes, those travel toothbrush holders that are supposed to protect your oral hygiene tool can work against the objective at hand.
4. Bring along travel-sized mouthwash and floss. On those long days in the car or at the airport, the mouth can feel, well, dirty. Chewing gum and mints are only minimally effective at freshening up the mouth on such days. A swish of mouthwash and a brief flossing session can do wonders for “dirty mouth.”
5. Remember to stop and smell the roses. The whole point of vacation is to sit back and relax, and yet many of us find ourselves tenser than ever as we try to get away from the monotony of daily living for a bit. Long lines, hot sun, or cranky children aside, it is important that you remain calm and relaxed during vacation. Tension can lead to tooth grinding and clenching, which could damage teeth, restorations, and the joints of the jaw.

Lerner & Lemongello offers friendly care to patients from Palm Beach Gardens, as well as those who are just passing through. Call (561) 627-9000 to schedule your visit.