Healthy Mouth, Healthy Baby - Part II

Last month, we wrote Part I of a post about awaiting the arrival of your new baby, and some of the risks of your oral health. There are two other oral health "red flags" to be aware of during your pregnancy.

Sensitive Teeth

Some women experience morning sickness including vomiting during their pregnancy, which on its own is unpleasant, but the side effects could be even worse. The acid in vomit can cause the enamel of your teeth to erode. The enamel erosion could cause you to have sensitive teeth as well as be more prone to tooth decay.

To help prevent this erosion, we recommend drinking water to flush your teeth and waiting at least 15-30 minutes after vomiting before brushing your teeth. This allows time for the acid in your mouth to subside and be washed from your teeth with water and saliva, helping you avoid "brushing off" the enamel.

Pregnancy Tumors

Some women experience pregnancy tumors. These puffy areas of the gums are typically non-cancerous, but can be painful or uncomfortable for you. Pregnancy tumors are inflammatory reactions to an irritant like plaque, and can bleed and become unsightly to some women, causing them to refrain from eating, smiling and talking. 

It is very important to see your dentist while you are pregnant. Dr. Snodgrass will be able to ensure that your teeth remain healthy, as well as determine if you are prone to or suffering from any pregnancy induced oral health issues. 

Do You Have A Dental Concern?

If you have an area of dental concern that you would like Dr. Snodgrass to evaluation, please contact our office by visiting our website or calling us at (360) 524-4377.

Preventive Care for Dental Health Month!

Visit your dentist regularly to prevent future pain!

Contrary to popular belief, your dentist is there for more than knocked out teeth and toothaches. The right dentist can help with proper preventive care to help keep your mouth healthy and to help prevent more serious issues from occurring.

Every 6 Months

You should be visiting your dentist a minimum of every 6 months. This allows Dr. Snodgrass to fully inspect your teeth and gums to ensure that there are no issues that you are not aware of yet. When you let conditions with your teeth get out of hand, resolving the . By keeping your twice yearly appointments, you can keep your mouth healthy and your pain to a minimum.

Why Is A Comprehensive Visit So Long?

When we schedule our New Patient visits, we allow for plenty of time with Dr. Snodgrass. Not only does it allow us to learn about you and your individual needs, it allows us to create a baseline with which to compare your mouth to each time you visit. At your initial New Patient appointment, your Vancouver dentist will perform x-rays and other routine procedures to assess what is normal for your individual mouth. On subsequent visits, Dr. Alan Snodgrass will be able to determine if anything has drastically changed.

Immediate Assistance

Of course, if you have any issues that require immediate dental assistance, you should not delay in calling our office. Anytime you experience pain, bleeding, a lost permanent tooth, a lost filling, or anything out of the ordinary, you should call us right away.

Regular or Diet? Sip All Day - Get Decay!

Image Courtesy of dentalgentlecare.com

It is well known that sugar can promote obesity, tooth decay, and a wealth of other health issues. but do we realize just how much sugar is in our food and snacks? Here at Thurston Oaks Dental in Vancouver, WA we understand that a healthy diet is just as important as regular visits to the dentists or hygienist. Our friends at the Minnesota Dental Association have put together a campaign to teach children and families about the harmful effects of soda drinking.

Here's how you get cavities

• Sugar in pop combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid.
• Diet or "sugar-free" pop contains its own acid.
• Acid in soft drinks, whether they contain sugar or not, is the primary cause of weakening tooth enamel.
• The acid attacks your teeth. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes.
• The acid attack starts over again with every sip.
• Ongoing acid attacks weaken your tooth enamel.
• Bacteria in your mouth cause cavities when tooth enamel is damaged.

How to reduce decay

• Drink soft drinks in moderation.
• Don't sip for extended periods of time. Ongoing sipping prolongs sugar and acid attacks on your teeth.
• Use a straw to keep the sugar away from your teeth.
• After drinking, swish your mouth out with water to dilute the sugar.

To learn more about the research Minnesota Dental Association has completed, visit their website here!