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May 27, 2019 Uncategorized

Did you know that pregnancy can have an impact on your oral health?

Do you know how to care for your teeth during pregnancy?

Did you know that babies start to develop teeth during the first few months of pregnancy?

From the second to the eighth month of pregnancy, there are major shifts in hormone levels which can trigger gingivitis, a precursor to gum disease. In fact, progesterone levels can increase by ten times their normal levels when you are expecting. Moreover, nausea and vomiting and the sugary cravings that accompany many pregnancies can wreak havoc on your teeth.  While not all pregnant women experience gum disease and tooth decay, there is a direct connection between hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and overall oral health. The good news? These conditions typically resolve themselves once the baby is born, and you are unlikely to have major dental issues if you already have great oral hygiene prior to becoming pregnant.

“Inflamed gums result from changes in mouth bacteria that feed on the extra hormones secreted during pregnancy, and in the overall increase in fluid levels in the body as the pregnancy progresses,” says Dr. Arthur Worth, ODA President.  “Regular professional dental cleanings and the patient’s personal home care are key to reducing the inflammation that can occur during pregnancy and the chances of developing severe gingivitis – tell your dentist if you are pregnant and if you have observed any changes in your oral health.” – Arthur Worth, Ontario Dental Association President

What to Look Out for During Pregnancy

  • Gums that look inflamed or swollen
  • Gums that bleed when you brush
  • Dry Mouth or increased saliva in mouth
  • Red nodules near your upper gum line and around your mouth

Visiting Your Dentist During Pregnancy

  • Book a dental exam during your first three months of pregnancy and tell your dentist if you are expecting.
  • Schedule a dental cleaning (or multiple cleanings) throughout your pregnancy to reduce the risk of gum disease.
  • Book essential dental work (fillings, crowns etc) during your second trimester or after the birth of your child.
  • Reschedule any dental x-rays until after the birth of your child.

Self-Care for your Teeth During Pregnancy

  • Curb those pregnancy cravings as much as you can by limiting sugary foods and drinks.
  • Continue to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed.
  • If you have a lot of nausea and especially vomiting, be sure to rinse thoroughly with water to reduce acid damage.
  • Floss every day.
  • Use a fluoride-based toothpaste.
  • Stay hydrated to combat dry mouth.
  • Avoid antibiotics or sedatives.

Are you pregnant or planning to get pregnant? Book an appointment with our team at Dr. Syed Dentistry today to learn how you can protect your own oral health and the oral health of your baby.

 



May 3, 2019 Uncategorized

What to Expect at your New Patient Exam

For many people, visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing, or even scary experience, especially if you have had a bad experience in the past or if you’ve never been to the dentist before. Sometimes, simply understanding what will happen at your new patient exam is enough to ease those worries and inspire a positive and even enjoyable first trip to the dentist.

Step 1: Introductions

Your new patient exam will begin with a friendly and compassionate introduction to your dentist. This will allow you an opportunity to share any of your concerns, provide your dentist with information about your medical history and discuss medications that may be impacting your oral health.

Step 2: Radiographs and Photographs

Following introductions, your dentist will order any necessary radiographs (also known as x-rays) in order to be able to examine and assess areas not visible to the naked eye. Your dentist will recommend which areas to take x-rays of based on your specific needs.

You will be asked to bite down on the digital sensor support while the X-rays are taken. This may be uncomfortable for some, but rarely lasts more than 7-10 seconds.  Since Dr. Syed’s office uses only digital x-ray technology, the x-rays are available immediately. Your dentist will review all of the findings with you after performing the full examination to ensure that you have a clear understanding of what is happening inside your mouth.

At Dr. Syed’s office, you will also have photographs taken to record the appearance of your teeth, face and smile.  This will help you and the dentist to address any concerns about your smile, bite and tissue structure.

Step 3: Examination of your neck region

In addition to the examination inside of your mouth, your dentist will observe and examine the area outside and around your mouth. In order to completely understand your overall oral health, your dentist will look at the following:

  • The state and functionality of your temporomandibular joint. This join connects your jaw to your skull and may be responsible for pain or tenderness in this region.
  • The overall wellbeing and condition of the bones in your face, jaw and around your mouth.

Step 4: Visual Inspection of your mouth

Following the external examination, the dentist will visually inspect your mouth. The dentist will inform you of everything they are about to do and warn you if anything will feel uncomfortable or unusual. Using dental instruments such as a mirror, probe, and air spray (none of which will hurt!), your dentist will examine inside your mouth for the following:

  • Damaged, missing or failing restorations
  • Any signs of cavities
  • Gum conditions, specifically looking for periodontal pockets, inflammation or other signs of gum disease (which can lead to tooth and bone loss)
  • Conditions of previous dental work such as root canals, bridges and crowns
  • Signs of mouth or throat cancer such as white lesions or blocked salivary glands as a part of an oral cancer screen.
  • Suspicious growths or cysts, if any
  • The location and positioning of your teeth (e.g., spacing, bite)
  • Signs of clenching or teeth grinding

 

Step 5: Follow up and Next Appointment

Your dentist will take the final few moments of your new patient exam to discuss their findings with you, answer any questions you may have, and make a plan to meet your specific oral health care needs. The entire appointment typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Now that you know exactly what to expect from your new patient exam at the dentist, it is time to go ahead and reserve your appointment. Our team at Dr. Syed’s office pride ourselves on our compassionate, friendly and professional environment and would be happy to take you through this experience. Call us now to book your first trip to the dentist!




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