PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH BY PEACH SMILES, LAWRENCEVILLE DENTIST

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH

DENTAL VISITS

For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy, but be sure to let your dental office know what stage of pregnancy you are in when you make your appointment. Tell your dentist of any change in the medications you take or if you have received any special advice from your physician. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or you have some other medical condition, your dentist and your physician may recommend that treatment be postponed.

CHANGES IN YOUR MOUTH

During pregnancy some women may find they are prone to pregnancy gingivitis—a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to be red, tender and sore. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to help control gingivitis. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to more serious gum disease.

DIET DURING PREGNANCY

Did you know that your baby’s teeth will begin to develop between the third and sixth months? That’s why you need a sufficient quantity of nutrients—especially vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorous. While it’s normal for pregnant woman to have the desire to eat more, frequent snacking can be an invitation to tooth decay.  When you do snack, choose foods that are low in sugar and nutritious for you and your baby such as raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt, or cheese, and make sure to follow your physician’s advice regarding diet.

X-RAYS DURING PREGNANCY

Dental X-rays are sometimes necessary if you suffer a dental emergency or need a dental problem diagnosed. Your dentist or hygienist will cover you with a leaded apron that minimizes exposure to the abdomen. Your dental office will also whenever possible cover your throat with a leaded thyroid collar to protect the thyroid from radiation.

MORNING SICKNESS AND DENTAL EROSION

Feeling queasy? Did you know that the acids from your stomach while throwing up can cause serious damage to your teeth? Do not brush your teeth right after you have thrown up.  If you have morning sickness and are vomiting frequently, try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to stop stomach acid from attacking your teeth.

AFTER CHILD BIRTH

Continue taking care of your mouth and your baby’s mouth, too. Although newborns usually have no visible teeth, most baby teeth begin to appear generally about six months after birth. Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur.

 If you have any questions about Pregnancy and Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-609-6620 or visit us at WWW. PEACHSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 40 % Off Regular Prices. Call us before noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located on Sugarloaf Parkway next to HWY 316. PEACH SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Duluth, Suwanee and surrounding areas.

OFFICE ADDRESS

4825 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite A

Lawrenceville, GA 30044

info@peachsmiles.com

770-609-6620

www.peachsmiles.com

5 THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO MAKE THEIR CHILDREN MORE COMFORTABLE GOING TO THE DENTIST

By PEACH SMILES

AFFORDABLE LAWRENCEVILLE DENTIST

Parent’s, it is very important that you instill good dental habits to your children. Routine dental visits are no exception, these appointments are important to their maintenance of our health.

We understand that a trip to the dentist every six months can be trivial to adults, but children can see things in a different light.  It may be scary for the little ones who don’t remember the last visit or get confused that they are seeing their pediatrician. They even are intimidated by the unfamiliarity if they have only been to the dentist once or twice.

As documented by the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, the leading “cause of childhood illness results from tooth decay”. Studies show that nearly 16 million children in the United States have tooth decay that has been treated by a dentist.  Overall health and all phases of life, not only teeth are affected by tooth decay and oral problems that started at a young age.

Making your child go to the dentist can be challenging for any parent.  Especially if their siblings or friends at school had a negative or unsettling experience.  Even if you are unaware of how your child is going to react when it comes to dental checkups, be prepared.  Here are five things our dentists at Peach Smiles recommend you can do to help them have a positive experience and actually look forward to their visit.

1.   BE HONEST AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR FEELINGS

If it not a checkup and they are visiting because they need dental work, be honest. I know it would be easier to just wait for the dentist to explain how the cavities are treated.  However, mom or dad can use words they understand or are nonthreatening to them.

If your child is scared, ask them to tell what they are scared about specifically. Listen and acknowledge how they are feeling and let them know you understand.  Answer all of their questions, then tell them about your positive experiences that you or a younger family member (sibling) has had. 

Let them know it will be okay and that although they might be scared, they will feel much better after the appointment.

2.   TELL THEM ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT TO HAPPEN

Fear usually comes from not knowing what is going to happen at the appointment.  When you make the appointment ask the office staff to go over the steps of the procedure so you can explain it to your child. Going on our dental website can be very beneficial. It can also help them to remember the office and staff.   This will help them visually see what will happen at their appointment.  The morning of the appointment as you brush your child’s teeth, let them know that the dentist will be doing a similar type of thing at the appointment.  The more positive input they hear, the calmer they will be about the appointment.

3.   MAKE IT AN EXCITING TRIP

The website is an excellent tool for creating excitement, make it a fun story, this will create some enthusiasm and spark some curiosity.  Let them know that the Dentist has a play area and prizes for them.  Make going to the dentist an adventure and they are the leader of the adventure.  Use encouraging and reassuring language when talking about the going to the dentist; make it a positive not a negative.

4.   DENTIST ARE “GOOD GUYS” NOT “BAD GUYS”:  Let them know that the dentist care for the teeth like Superman cares for the people of Gotham City.  The dentist wants to take care of his teeth and protect them from the Sugar Bugs so they will be healthy all of his life.  Explain that going to the dental checkups, along with brushing and flossing help his teeth grow up to be great and tough.  Just like Superman.  According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit the dentist twice a year.  When your child starts getting his/her baby teeth usually around the age of 1, is when your child should have the first dental visit.  The next appointment will be scheduled twice a year after the first visit.

5.   BE THERE WITH YOUR CHILD:  Remember how important it was to have your mom or dad there when you were unsure about something?  Being there physically during your child’s dental checkup can reassure the feeling of confidence and safety.  Especially if your child suffers from separation anxiety if he is not with you or daddy.  Make sure you let the office know when you schedule the appointment that you intend to stay with your child during the entire appointment.  Make sure this is okay with the dentist and will not interfere with other patients.  Then let your child know that you will be there with them for the entire visit.

If you have any questions about dental health, please call Peach Smiles, Lawrenceville dentist at 770-609-6620. You can also check us at our website www.peachsmiles.com

Periodontal Disease

What It Is
Periodontal disease, known as gum disease or periodontitis, is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. In the United States, it is estimated that half of Americans aged 30 or older have advanced gum disease.  While highly prevalent, this dental condition is preventable with a good oral health regimen.

Cause
Periodontal disease symptoms become apparent as bacteria and debris accumulate around teeth and below the gum line and hardens into tartar. If not removed by a professional, tartar and bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums and weakening of teeth.
There are variables that can increase your risk of periodontitis that range from genetic predisposition and underlying health conditions, to certain lifestyle habits. Diet, taking certain medications, decreased immunity, and hormonal changes can also increase your chances of developing gum disease.

Stages
Periodontitis begins with the onset of gingivitis. In this early stage, bacteria builds up, irritating the surrounding gums. As bacteria accumulate and plaque builds and hardens into tartar, there is a weakening of bone and connective tissue that keeps teeth in their sockets. As bacteria spreads, pockets that trap further bacteria begin to form around teeth and under soft tissue. In patients with advanced periodontal disease, teeth become loose and fall out.

Symptoms
One of the most difficult aspects of spotting periodontal disease without help from a dentist is that the condition can progress slowly in patients and may not always produce obvious signs. Patients may notice:
-        Gum tenderness
-        Gum recession
-        Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
-        Loose teeth or a change in teeth alignment

Diagnosis of gum disease typically involves visiting a dentist for a visual examination of your oral condition, as well as charting pocket depths and using X-Rays to check bone loss in areas with deeper periodontal pockets.

Treatment
Early diagnosis gives patients the greatest chance of reversing damage with nonsurgical treatments. These procedures include root scaling and planing, which removes tartar and bacteria from surfaces of teeth and beneath the gums and smooths root surfaces,. Antibiotics that are either taken orally or topically as a rinse, can also be used to reduce bacteria and inflammation.

For patients with advanced periodontitis, dental surgery may be the most effective option to reduce pocket size and restore the healthy appearance and supportive structure of soft tissue.

Prevention
Periodontal disease is preventable by practicing consistent and good oral hygiene. As a rule of thumb, you should be taking between 3-5 minutes twice day to care for your teeth and gums by flossing first to loosen any food particles and bacteria, and brushing to clean all surfaces of teeth. You should also visit your dentist twice a year for thorough teeth cleanings. Patients displaying early signs of gum disease may require more frequent dental visits throughout the year.

If are exhibiting signs and symptoms of gum disease, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can receive treatment, the more likely you will be able to reverse any damage caused by periodontal disease.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL SEALANTS: PEACH SMILES, LAWRENCEVILLE DENTIST

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL SEALANTS

Dental Sealants are very thin coating applied on the chewing surface of the teeth.
Generally Sealants are done on back teeth where the teeth have grooves and depressions.
Brushing will not take away the sealants. They bind strongly to the nook and crannies of the teeth.

1. Why we need to prevent cavities?
A. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in kids which impacts kid’s concentration and self esteem. So it’s a high priority for our dental professional at Peach Smiles.

2. Are SEALANTS effective in preventing caries?
A. Many clinical trials have shown that sealants are effective in preventing cavities.

3. Why dentists recommend SEALANTS for preventing cavities?
A. Both American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has recommended the use of pit-and-fissure sealants. Our Lawrenceville dentists at Peach Smiles follow the recommendations of these esteemed associations.

4. Do SEALANTS work for kids or adults?
A. Sealants work for both children and adult teeth. Sealants work on both primary and permanent molars.

5. Where are sealants placed?
A. Sealants are placed on the biting surface of the back teeth.

6. Are dental sealants 100% effective?
A. Dental sealants are up to 80% effective in preventing dental caries. That's a pretty good effectiveness of a service.

7. Are sealants more effective than FLUORIDE varnishes for preventing occlusal/biting surface decay?
A. Evidence based studies have proven that sealants are more effective than Fluoride varnish in preventing occlusal surface cavities.

8. Are Dental Sealants Safe?
A. BPA in the dental sealants are more safer than breathing air, so dental sealants are as safe as food or drinks we consume every day.

9. Do dental sealants halt cavities!
A. Evidence has shown that sealants halt the progress of existing decay when applied on the teeth.

10. Do insurances cover sealants?
A. Dental sealants are covered preventive dental care and covered by most dental plans. Peach Smiles accept most dental insurances. Please call us at 770-609-6620 to check your dental plan benefits.

11. What is the best long term cost saving dental procedure in dentistry?
A. Dental Sealants offer the best cost saving by preventing cavities and achieving a healthy mouth.

12. What is the cost of dental sealants if I don't have insurance?
A. At our Lawrenceville dental office, sealants are done at very affordable price about 50% off regular price.

13. How long does the sealants last?
A. Sealants generally last between 5-10 years. But dentist can check for any wear or chipping during the regular dental visit at Peach Smiles.




If you have any questions about dental sealants, please call Peach Smiles, Lawrenceville dentist at 770-609-6620. You can also check us at our website www.peachsmiles.com.