Pregnancy brings about numerous changes to the body. Each day can bring new surprises from swelling and sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations! Monthly or even weekly doctor visits to monitor the growing baby and mother are the norm, but what about dental care? How does this play into a healthy pregnancy?

According to the National Library of Medicine, “pregnant women are susceptible to a wide range of oral health conditions that could be harmful to their health and the future of their baby.” Various studies have been done to combat the old myth that women cannot visit the dentist while pregnant as it may cause complications to the baby’s development in utero. However, this myth could not be farther from the truth! 

Proper oral care can prevent and treat harmful diseases affecting the baby’s long-term health. For example, women and babies can experience “premature birth, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, vaginal tissue ulcerations, gingivitis, pregnancy tumors, loose teeth, and more” if proper dental hygiene and oral care are not prioritized during the gestational period. 

For example, mothers with periodontitis, also known as gum disease, by comparison to mothers with healthy gums, have a higher risk of giving premature birth as well as delivering a baby with low birth weight. Roughly 40% of pregnant mothers have gingivitis, a more mild form of periodontitis, which shows a real risk of these birth complications.

Proper nutrition also affects pregnant women at a higher rate. For example, a study from the AAFP shows that one-fourth of women of reproductive age have dental caries, a disease caused by carbohydrate fermentation that decomposes tooth enamel. Sugary and carb-rich foods can cause caries in pregnant women due to their higher susceptibility to oral cavities and cravings. Similarly,  if the mother does not consume the right amount of nutrients, the child could experience tooth problems due to low calcium intake. 

Pregnant women are also more likely to develop oral lesions, loose teeth, and oral tumors, so inform your dentist or dental hygienist of your pregnancy! Discuss any concerns or fears about routine oral care during pregnancy to ease your mind, and be sure to practice regular oral care. This preventative care goes a long way with keeping yourself healthy and your growing baby as well!

Stop by Cakmes Dental Studio for excellent prenatal oral care. Our team will be sure to look out for any anomalies to be concerned about and provide you with tips for keeping your dental hygiene routine perfect!

It’s already August, and the kids are going back to school. That means the dreaded struggle of trying to get back on a schedule will inevitably happen. This is the time of year for back-to-school supply shopping, new clothes or uniforms, meeting new teachers, and preparing for everything associated with a vibrant and productive school year. But beyond buying Ticonderoga pencils and Crayola colored pencils, there are certain things that you should be doing to help build your routine and ensure a healthy smile that lasts beyond the school year.

Tips for Healthy Teeth in Children

1. 1. Set bedtimes and wake-up times at the same time each day. Good sleep habits build healthy habits that trickle down to your dental health. Kids especially need plenty of sleep to avoid fatigue, aid in concentration, and prevent snacking.
   2. Establish a routine for brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. We know how kids can be in the summers. Between trips to camp, vacations, and lazy days, we’re willing to bet they missed a few of those brushings! By re-establishing your routines, especially for your dental health, you’ll avoid costly cavities and prevent future dental issues. Set a schedule for brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Need tips to get kids to brush on schedule? Play their favorite song and set a two-minute timer. That time brushing their teeth will fly by.
   3. Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages with empty calories. Sugary treats can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Instead, find snacks that nourish your body and are still fun to eat.

<li”>Schedule that dental cleaning, X-rays, or sealants. We know those dental visits before and after school are precious, so get on the schedule early to ensure you snag one of those appointments. Our team will help keep you cavity-free with a bright smile all year.

• If your child plays a sport, ensure they have a well-fitting mouthguard. Mouthguards are mandatory in many sports, including football and lacrosse, among others. They help prevent trauma to the gums, lips, tongue, cheeks, and teeth, by acting like a cushion to absorb impact. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, sports accidents account for nearly 40 percent of all dental injuries in children.

Schedule Your Pediatric Cleaning Today

Keep up with your routine dental cleanings by calling our office at (865) 584-6163 and get on the schedule.