Are you affecting the growth of your unborn child's teeth?

The things you eat while pregnant affect the growth of your baby's teeth. Their teeth begin to develop during the second trimester. It is important to supply you and your baby with the proper amount of nutrients, calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D. A mothers decay-creating bacteria can be passed on to her child, so it's important to have a healthy mouth before your child is born. For more information click the link. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/pregnancy

Higher Vulnerability

As you grow older it is important to maintain regular dental care and daily habits, insuring this will increase your chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime. Elderly adults often go through many changes as they age, knowing these changes and vulnerabilities can allow you to manage your oral health effectively. For risks and prevention click the link.  https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/aging-and-dental-health

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

The examples and education you give your child today will set their oral health habits for the rest of their lives.  Cavities occur when a disease is allowed to damage and break down teeth, however they are completely preventable. Regular dental (cleaning and exams) visits will also allow your child to become accustomed to the dentist. Teaching your child how to correctly brush, floss, and eat healthily can save them many hours at the dentist as an adult or even as a child. For more preventative care, how to correctly brush, information on sealants, diet, dental visits, tips and tricks visit the link. Also be sure to ask about our informational pamphlets when you visit our office!  https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids

How Your Dentist Can Help You Fight Diabetes

Regular dental visits are important. Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes, decreasing the progression of the disease. Practicing good oral hygiene and having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist can help to lower your HbA1c. (This is a lab test that shows your average level of blood sugar over the previous three months. It indicates how well you are controlling your diabetes.) Click on the link for more information. “Diabetes and Your Smile.” Mouth Healthy TM, www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes. 

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease is a broad term used to describe various diseases that affect the gums, bone, and surrounding structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease was named the #1 disease impacting mankind in the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records. The most common forms of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to bleed and the gums to appear very red and inflamed. Periodontitis destroys the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. For early warning signs and prevention click the link listed. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease/what-is-periodontal-disease

Anorexia & Bulimia

Over 10 million Americans are effected by eating disorders. Without proper nutrition, gums suffer immensely. Salivary glands may become inflamed allowing your mouth to become very dry and increasing your chance for decay drastically. Vomiting regularly can affect the teeth also. Stomach acid repeatedly flowing over teeth can wear tooth enamel down, change the color of the tooth, and affect shape and length. Click the link for an informational video and prevention tips.  https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/eating-disorders

Take care of your gums...help your heart?

The American Heart Association published a Statement in April 2012 supporting an association between gum disease and heart disease. Many studies show an as-yet-unexplained association between gum disease and several serious health conditions, including heart disease, even after adjusting for common risk factors. “Heart Disease and Oral Health.” Mouth Healthy TM, www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/heart-disease-and-oral-health. Click the link to learn more!

Medications, Pre-medications, Cancer treatment

The most common side effect of medications is dry mouth. Saliva helps keep food from building up around the teeth and neutralizes the different acids created by plaque. Cancer treatments can seriously effect oral health, always consult with your dentist before starting any cancer treatment. Pre- medications are prescribed to those who have joint replacement and heart issues. Click the link for more information. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/medications-and-oral-health https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/antibiotic-prophylaxis

Tobacco use is the leading preventable illness in the U.S.

All of the major forms of tobacco used in the U.S. have oral health consequences. Cigarette smoking can lead to a variety of adverse oral effects, including gingival recession, impaired healing following periodontal therapy, oral cancer, mucosal lesions (e.g., oral leukoplakia, nicotine stomatitis), periodontal disease, and tooth staining. Use of smokeless tobacco is associated with increased risks of oral cancer and oral mucosal lesions (e.g., oral leukoplakia). Smoking and Tobacco Cessation, www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/smoking-and-tobacco-cessation. Click the link for more information.