Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection that affects the tissues that support your teeth. When left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss. But did you know that gum disease can also have an impact on your health during pregnancy? Read on to find out more about the connection between gum disease and pregnancy. 

What is Gum Disease? 

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and the underlying bone that supports the teeth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Over time, the bacteria irritate and inflame the gums, leading to the formation of pockets of pus between the teeth and gum line. 

How Does Gum Disease Affect Pregnancy? 

Here are a few ways that gum disease can affect pregnancy: 

• Increased Risk of Preterm Birth: Research has shown that pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely. 
• Increased Risk of Low Birth Weight: Babies born to women with gum disease are also more likely to have a low birth weight. This can lead to a variety of complications for the newborn. 
• Increased Risk of Gestational Diabetes: Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy and can lead to a variety of health problems for both the mother and the baby. 
• Increased Risk of Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a disorder that can occur during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Women with gum disease are more likely to develop preeclampsia. 
• Increased Risk of Infection: Gum disease can lead to an increased risk of infection due to bacteria entering the bloodstream. This can lead to a variety of complications for both the mother and the baby. 

How Can I Reduce My Risk? 

The best way to reduce your risk of gum disease and its associated complications during pregnancy is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing daily. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentist may also recommend using special mouthwashes or toothpastes to help control gum inflammation and reduce your risk of infection. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

Gum disease is a serious infection that can have a variety of negative effects on your health during pregnancy, including an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and infection. The best way to reduce your risk is to practice good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, and eat a balanced diet. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that you and your baby stay healthy during your pregnancy. Contact Tar Heel Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. 

Brushing and flossing are not only beneficial for maintaining a healthy mouth and a bright smile. In fact, there are many benefits for your entire body as well. Let’s take a look at how brushing your teeth can keep you healthy from head to toe.

There are a number of ways in which brushing and flossing can help you lose weight. Your oral health, for example, can reduce your risk of diabetes and increase the likelihood that you will maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. It is difficult to eat well when your mouth is experiencing pain as a result of poor health. In addition, brushing serves as a natural signal to your brain that you have finished eating. Additionally, brushing can burn up to 3,500 calories per year. A little bit goes a long way.

For mothers, oral health is critical not only for themselves but also for their children. There is an increased risk of premature births and low birth weights for women who suffer from chronic gum disease. Pregnant women not only eat for two but also brush and floss for two.

It is also important to brush and floss your teeth regularly to maintain healthy gums. In recent studies, gum disease has been linked to cognitive dysfunction and even Alzheimer’s disease. A patient’s lifetime health and cognitive function are impacted by gingivitis.

If you suffer from bad breath, you have probably already tried some of the common remedies. Although brushing your teeth two or three times a day and using mouthwash can certainly help, the strongest smell is caused by the buildup of tartar. Brushing your teeth can remove tartar from your teeth, but flossing can help remove tartar from your gums and between your teeth. Most people with bad breath will notice improvements in their breath after flossing regularly for a week.

Poor dental hygiene allows bacteria to flourish in your mouth, for better or for worse. Even though many bacteria are beneficial for your health and essential to your well-being, this is not the case for all of them. 

The bacteria present in your mouth can cause diseases throughout your body, including the lungs and even the brain. Bacteria, both beneficial and potentially harmful, are easily inhaled into the lungs with salivary particles. The bacteria that originate in your mouth can cause lung conditions such as bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and emphysema.

Despite the fact that brushing your teeth will not replace regular exercise or a healthy diet anytime soon, it can have a significant impact on your overall health. Be diligent in your brushing regimen and schedule your next appointment as soon as possible to achieve the most effective results. Contact Tar Heel Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today.

The waterpik was first invented in 1962. There has been a great deal of confusion since then as to which is better for your oral health: regular flossing or a waterpik? Which one is recommended by dentists? Rather than jumping straight to the answer, let’s examine the pros and cons of each method.

Flossing

It may seem like a boring piece of string, but it is much more than that. Flossing is an excellent method of removing food that is trapped between the teeth or below the gum line. Using this method is a very efficient way to accomplish this task, and it is probably one of the cheapest items you will ever purchase. Flossing is quick, easy, and you can do it virtually anywhere. Unfortunately, untrained hands may have difficulty reaching certain areas of the mouth when flossing. There is also the possibility of minor bleeding or sensitivity to the gums.

Waterpik

Our dependence on technology has never been greater than it is today. The waterpik is a special device that shoots a stream of water into the mouth, using pressure to massage the gums and push food away from the teeth. The device is extremely easy to use, making it an excellent choice for individuals with braces or other types of dental work. Gum health can be greatly improved by the massaging effect. It is also easier to maneuver, allowing you to reach those hard-to-reach places that regular floss simply cannot.

Waterpiks, on the other hand, can be costly and difficult to store in your bathroom.Additionally, it requires access to electricity and clean water, which means it cannot be carried as comfortably as a pocket-sized floss container.

As a matter of fact, there is no right answer as to which is the better method of flossing. Depending on your needs and circumstances, both are excellent options for flossing. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, a waterpik reduced plaque by 74.4 percent, while flossing only reduced it by 57.7 percent. As compared to traditional floss, Waterpiks can also reduce the risk of gingivitis and bleeding gums. Nevertheless, many dentists still recommend string flossing as the most effective method of cleaning between your teeth.

We are here to assist you in maintaining your oral health for life, no matter what decision you make. To schedule your next appointment, please contact our office today.

There has been a trend towards being eco-friendly for a while, but this issue is more pressing now than ever before. Fortunately, we still have time to change our habits in order to prevent irreversible climate change.

Choosing the right oral care products and disposing of them properly can help us take care of the environment. You can keep your mouth healthy in a sustainable way by following these tips!

Be aware of how much water you are using.

This may seem obvious or even common knowledge. You can make a significant impact on the environment by reducing the amount of water you use while brushing. If you turn off the water while brushing, you could potentially save 8 gallons of water per day. In your home, that’s more than 200 gallons a month per person. Children who are taught these habits early will be more likely to lead a sustainable lifestyle in the future.

Brush with a bamboo toothbrush.

Many toothbrushes are made from non-degradable and non-recyclable materials, such as plastic handles and nylon bristles. It means that the 50 million pounds of plastic waste generated by toothbrushes every year never really leaves the planet. Unlike plastic toothbrushes, bamboo toothbrushes are compostable and biodegradable, which means they can be easily disposed of in landfills.

Make use of an electric toothbrush.

Certain electric toothbrushes have a reusable bottom or base, and the top is replaced when the bristles become worn. Although waste is still generated, it is significantly less than getting a brand new toothbrush every few months. To further reduce waste, use an electric toothbrush that plugs into the wall instead of batteries.

Recycle

There is probably more to your oral health care routine than just a toothbrush and water. There is a green toothpaste option available at almost every major retailer. If you have bottles of mouthwash, plastic containers to hold floss, or other plastic materials, ensure that you recycle them properly. If you are unsure whether some of your containers are recyclable, you can ask your local recycling center. It can go a long way towards preventing plastic from ending up in unwanted places.

Dentists practice eco-friendly dentistry in greater numbers than ever before. Some may not even be aware that they are doing so. Dentists who are environmentally conscious utilize digital x-rays and patient records. Furthermore, they may be able to use environmentally friendly dental materials without adding hazardous substances to wastewater.

Think green and keep yourself and the planet smiling. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment.

Gum disease can be a major problem, but if detected early enough, it can be reversed. Once gum disease has progressed, bone and soft tissue are damaged by infections. Untreated gingivitis can easily progress to periodontitis if left untreated. As a result, you may lose your teeth and suffer serious health problems. The good news is that knowledge is power, and you can take control of your oral health by learning about the different types of gum disease.

Our goal in this post is to explain how gum disease progresses and what you can do to maintain better oral health.

Gingivitis

Gums that are healthy are light pink and firm. If your gums are red, bleed easily, or swell, you may have gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene is usually responsible for this condition. With the right steps, it is very possible to reverse the situation at this point.

Periodontitis

Inflammation of the gums is a hallmark of periodontitis, a form of advanced gum disease. It is at this point that the infection has spread below the gum line. As a result of the bacterial infection, the jawbone deteriorates while the supporting gums are pulled away from the teeth. When these two factors are combined, tooth loss occurs as the supporting structures of bone and tissue deteriorate. The symptoms of this condition include receding gums, bad breath, and gingival pockets. As a result, pus may form, which indicates an infection.

Periodontitis (Aggressive)

This is a very rapid progression that stems from periodontitis. Gingival ligaments that hold your teeth in place may quickly deteriorate and jaw bone damage may occur at a more advanced rate. Luckily, there are ways to reverse this damage with guided bone regeneration.

Periodontitis (Chronic)

The term chronic periodontitis refers to the inflammation of the gingival tissues around the teeth. Due to gum recession, this can result in bone loss. Your teeth may be very loose and you may have gingival pockets.

Systemic Periodontitis

Periodontitis caused by a systemic disease is called systemic periodontitis. This type of condition may include:

• Diabetes
• Respiratory disease
• Heart disease

How to stop gum disease:

One way to prevent future gum problems is to improve your oral health routine. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Additionally, you should visit your dentist every six months. Keep reading to learn more about how to maintain good gum health.

Floss

Your daily oral health routine should include flossing. Floss at least once a day. By flossing, you can remove plaque that your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should be done after brushing. Flossing can be done in the morning, in the afternoon, or even at night. By flossing at least once a day, you can significantly reduce your risk of periodontal disease.

Regular Dental Cleanings

You will be able to detect gum disease easily if you visit your dentist regularly, every six months. By having your teeth cleaned regularly, the dentist will be able to detect warning signs of gum disease before it becomes a serious problem. Professional cleaning will remove any buildup of tartar and plaque. Even if you brush and floss regularly, hard-to-reach areas may result in plaque buildup. If you suffer from gingivitis, it may be possible to fully reverse it with regular dental visits.

Stop Smoking

Here’s one more reason for you to stop smoking. Gum disease can be greatly reduced by quitting smoking. You may find it more difficult to fight gum disease if you smoke, because smoking weakens your immune system. In addition, smoking makes it much harder for the gums to heal after they have already suffered damage.

Brush Daily

Brush your teeth every day. As a result, you will be able to remove the food and plaque that are trapped between your gums. Give your tongue a good scrub as well. Bad breath may be caused by bacteria on your tongue, particularly on the back of the tongue. Make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles and fits comfortably in your mouth. Consider using an electronic toothbrush if you are able to do so. Compared to manual toothbrushes, these toothbrushes are significantly more effective at removing plaque. Ensure that the head is replaced every few months.

Use fluoride toothpaste.

When choosing toothpaste, be sure to select one that will prevent gum disease. In stores, there are a variety of products claiming to reduce gingivitis and freshen your breath. Which one should you pick? The most important thing is to choose a product that is ADA-sealed and contains fluoride.

Use mouthwash

Over-the-counter mouthwash can help you reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis. Plaque and tartar can be reduced with mouthwash, as can food particles stuck between teeth.

Our Raleigh NC periodontist office can help if you are already in the late stages of gum disease. Our professional experience in treating periodontal disease enables us to assist you in reversing even the most severe stages of gum disease. Please contact our periodontist office today to schedule an appointment. Make your oral health a priority with the help of Tar Heel Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.