June 29, 2010

Dental Care for Expecting Mothers

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. It is also a time when a woman’s body undergoes numerous physiological and hormonal changes that impact all aspects of the expecting mother and child’s health. Good oral care is very important during this period, as oral health affects overall well being.

“Pregnancy gingivitis” is common among expecting mothers, causing bleeding, sensitive and puffy gums with varying degrees of swelling that develop over the first trimester of pregnancy. The rapid surge in hormone levels of estrogens and progesterone causes an exaggerated response to small amounts of plaque and tartar, resulting in this severe form of gum inflammation. This may occur even if there weren’t any symptoms of gum disease before.

Sarah, a new mother, said, “ I was alarmed as my gums swelled up rapidly during my fourth month, and bled every time I brushed even though I never had gum trouble before. My dentist at Smile Fort Worth explained how being pregnancy affects gums and instructed me in oral hygiene, which really helped.” An oral prophylaxis, in which any existing tartar deposits will be removed by scaling, and taking extra care of oral hygiene measures during this time, can effectively prevent pregnancy gingivitis.

Cavities can also worsen with changes in salivary patterns occurring during this time, especially in those with high dental decay rates. Many women have gastric reflux, which causes acidity. That acid may cause erosion of tooth enamel and sensitive teeth. An expecting mother’s body is very vulnerable to the spread of any infection and dental infections like an abscess arising from a decayed tooth are common. While getting early preventive treatments like fluoride applications and fillings for small decays can a go a long way in avoiding dental problems in pregnancy, any acute dental infection should be cared for promptly.

Periodontal or gum disease in pregnant women is linked with the risk of having pre-term and low birth weight babies. Basically, a periodontal infection can cause a slow release of bacterial toxins into the mother’s blood stream, which increases the chances of these complications. Dentists strongly recommend a screening and treatment of periodontal disease in women planning pregnancy.

Most routine dental treatment can be safely performed during a healthy pregnancy. The second trimester is generally the preferred time to schedule planned dental procedures. Dental x-rays, also can be done safely with adequate protective shields. Concerns regarding the safety of drugs that can be used in pregnancy are important issues that need to be addressed by every dentist treating an expecting mother. Every woman expecting a baby should ensure to get a dental consult early on in or while planning for a pregnancy.

June 25, 2010

Who Needs Braces?

A confident smile is a huge asset at any age. In a quest for a better smile, braces or orthodontic treatment have been a part of many people’s teen years. Many parents are concerned if their child or teenager requires braces. Unlike popular perception, orthodontics are not restricted only to teens and young adults, although most people seeking braces do fall into these categories. Bite abnormalities in almost any age can be corrected by some form of orthodontics, resulting not just in a healthier smile, but also healthy oral function.

Young Children:

Young children before the age of seven have baby or primary teeth and almost never receive full braces. However, minor and relatively simple orthodontic measures may be needed to prevent major problems from developing later. A child with a thumb sucking habit or an abnormal swallow may need a simple appliance to break the habit and prevent protruding teeth. Children with crowded milk teeth or lost molars may need measures to preserve arch width and prevent badly aligned teeth or impacted teeth later. Spotting such problems early on and seeking preventive orthodontic therapy can go a long way in simplifying future dental needs.

Teens and Young Adults:

Youngsters with a mixed dentition (some baby teeth) and teenagers are the most likely to need braces. Protruding, crowded teeth, or a receding chin that obviously mars a smile are reasons to seek braces. Bone growth is at maximum in this age, and can be used to an advantage and directed appropriately by orthodontics. Many times there may be nothing obviously wrong with a smile, yet braces may be needed. Lower teeth that close too far in under the upper, tilted back teeth are examples of a faulty bite, which can later lead to excessive wear of teeth and lead to periodontal disease that damages the jaw bone and cause joint problems at a later stage. A routine consultation, addressing concerns about need for braces from a local dentist, is ideal at this age.

Older Adults:

More adults are seeking a better smile now than before. Teeth that have protruded because of gum or periodontal disease, or due to missing back teeth, tilted teeth which make restorations or implant placement difficult, fractured teeth needing extrusion or simply forgoing orthodontic treatment earlier in life are common reasons why older people seek braces. Tooth-colored braces and sheer Invisalign braces have made orthodontics more comfortable and viable for older adults. Accelerated orthodontics is a new technique combining gum surgery and braces for results that are almost three times faster. While orthodontics for adults may be technically more demanding, modern orthodontics can provide most people achieve a healthier smile and improved self-image.

June 22, 2010

How frequently should you have your teeth cleaned?

teeth cleaning fort worthWhen was the last time you got a teeth cleaning in Fort Worth? Busy lifestyles often cause us to put health concerns aside—until a problem crops up! Regular professionally performed teeth cleaning, or “oral prophylaxis,” is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth, and is a basic oral health care procedure that everyone needs. Nonetheless, many people have to think hard to remember the last time they got their teeth cleaned. A cleaning performed by your dentist or a hygienist is a part of preventive dentistry and you’ll need it at different times, depending on your personal circumstances.

Your dentist will suggest an cleaning regime based on your individual dental condition. Those with healthy mouths,no gum or periodontal disease, no extensive restorations, no general health issues like diabetes, and generally good oral hygiene will need a teeth cleaning at least once to twice a year.

People often say; “ I have no dental problems and brush well, why should I need a dentist to clean my teeth?” Brushing and flossing regularly helps in removing dental plaque, but in spite of this some plaque will accumulate in hard-to-reach areas even in healthy mouths and will harden to form tartar. The tartar will lodge more plaque, ultimately leading to gum disease and cavities. Once tartar forms, it can be removed only by professional cleaning, usually performed with an ultrasonic device. Dentists advise regular cleaning to prevent cavities or gum disease.

Some people form tartar at a faster rate than others, because of reasons such as inherent differences in saliva or mouth pH, a less effective brushing technique or having braces that make brushing difficult. Such people benefit from more frequent cleaning appointments, three to four times a year. Similarly, those who’ve had gum disease that has caused considerable loss of bone support of teeth or have had extensive crown and bridgework, need more stringent preventive measures and that requires more frequent cleaning. Periodontal disease, even after treatment, usually leaves teeth with reduced bone support and it becomes crucial to prevent recurrences of the gum infection. Such individuals will also often have exposed tooth roots that are difficult to brush very effectively. This means that, in the long run, keeping the maintenance-cleaning schedule is the key to successful periodontal therapy.

People with underlying medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, severe gum disease or multiple dental implants have more complex periodontal needs and may require up to four to six visits a year to maintain good oral health. Your dentist in Fort Worth is the best person to assess your current oral health and design an appropriate maintenance schedule.

June 17, 2010

Welcome to Robert D. Batton, DDS and Justin B. Harlin, DDS’s Blog!

Consider this blog your news resource for information about oral health, dental procedures and technology, and what’s happening at your dentist’s office. We believe communication is key to building great doctor-patient relationships, and this dental blog is intended to keep us in touch with you. The best part is, you can simply bookmark this page in your browser, then visit whenever you like! Stay tuned for regular posts that will keep you informed.

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