Maintaining your health during pregnancy includes keeping your teeth healthy. You should maintain regular dentistry appointments and oral care throughout this special time. Our team at Governor’s Park Dental Group can provide guidelines for regular care.

Changes During Pregnancy

The hormonal changes that prepare your body for pregnancy and childbirth can also have an effect on your dental health. These hormones affect the connective tissues throughout your body, including the tissues in your mouth. Your gums might become more sensitive and more prone to infection and gum disease. Your gums are also more likely to bleed during brushing while you are pregnant. This makes regular trips to the dentist important so that any symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease are diagnosed and treated promptly.

If you suffer from morning sickness, your teeth could also be more susceptible to decay because of increased acid in the mouth. Using a mouthwash can help reduce acid buildup on your teeth, making it less likely that this acid will lead to severe decay. If you experience any symptoms of gum disease or possible decay, be sure to bring these to your dentist’s attention as soon as possible.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Be sure to maintain your regular dental care routine during your pregnancy. Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean and ensure the health of your gums. Visit the dentist for standard cleanings and other care. Your dentist will make recommendations as to how often you should have your teeth cleaned and be screened for gum disease and oral cancers.

When you visit the dentist, be sure to let the dentist know that you are pregnant. It is advisable to avoid X-rays during pregnancy. The exposure to radiation from a standard X-ray is relatively small, but because your baby is growing very quickly, the side effects of the exposure can be more severe than they are with an adult. Therefore, dentists avoid X-rays for pregnant women except in emergencies.

If you are pregnant and have questions about proper oral hygiene and dental care during pregnancy, please call our Denver office at 303-832-7789 for more information.

In years past, the path to straighter teeth was littered with clunky brackets and wires. Patients pursuing a perfect smile had to endure a metal mouth for months and even years before they could see the results.

Modern technology has improved upon this process, though. Now, patients can bring their teeth into the proper position with Invisalign, which straightens the teeth using a series of clear plastic trays.

The basic premise of Invisalign is similar to that of conventional orthodontic treatment. The teeth are moved through forces that are directly applied to them. The dentist gathers information at an initial appointment through a visual examination, along with x-rays and impressions. That data is then used in treatment planning. [pullquote]Beyond its aesthetic advantages, Invisalign offers patients a variety of benefits in terms of oral health.[/pullquote]

The trays are designed to move the teeth independently. Patients switch trays approximately every two weeks, and it’s important to use the trays in the sequence recommended by the dentist and wear them between 20 and 22 hours to achieve the best outcomes.

Invisalign allows patients to enjoy the results of their treatment in real time, which is a major attraction for some patients. You see your teeth get straighter as it happens. There’s no need to envision what your teeth really look like underneath those braces.

Beyond its aesthetic advantages, Invisalign offers patients a variety of benefits in terms of oral health. The trays can be removed for brushing and flossing, eliminating the need to fumble with floss threaders to keep teeth clean underneath the wires and brackets.

Patients also take out the trays at mealtime, which means no dietary restrictions during treatment.

Furthermore, Invisalign requires fewer visits to the dentist for adjustments or wire replacements. Because the patient is doing most of the work by switching out the trays, dental appointments are only necessary every six weeks or so, allowing the dentist to monitor your progress.

Recent advances in Invisalign technology have made this treatment an option for patients with malocclusions (“bad bites”) in addition to crooked teeth, too.

If you want to straighten your teeth without sporting a mouth full of metal, the answer is clear. Ask Dr. Philip E. Lindley if the Invisalign system will be effective in your case. Contact our office serving Highland Park and schedule your consultation today.

There are many lifestyle habits that can contribute to the formation of dental cavities. Seeing our dentist serving Washington Park twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam is a start to keeping you as cavity free as possible.

What is a cavity? A cavity is the more common term for dental caries (holes in the tooth) or tooth decay. A cavity can affect anyone who has teeth, young or old. A cavity can form when foods containing sugar or starch are left on the teeth. Everyone has bacteria in their mouth, and some of the bacteria coupled with food particles work with saliva to form plaque which sticks to the teeth. [pullquote]Although brushing and flossing are needed to maintain dental health between dental visits, only your dental provider can get below the gum line to remove the plaque that clings to teeth.[/pullquote]

This is why visiting the dentist twice per year for a professional cleaning is so essential. Although brushing and flossing are needed to maintain dental health between dental visits, only your dental provider can get below the gum line to remove the plaque that clings to teeth.

The acids found in plaque work to dissolve the healthy enamel that covers and protects our teeth. When acid eats through the protective layer of enamel, a cavity may form. Most cavities will be found during those visits to the dentist during the dental exam or as a result of dental radiographs or x-rays.

Generally, if you feel a cavity before it is discovered by your dentist, the cavity is already in an advanced state and has become sensitive to sweet, hot or cold food or beverages.  Depending on the severity of the cavity and the tooth involved, your dentist can remove the decay and then fill the tooth with one of several types of fillings available. A discussion with your dentist to determine the best filling most suitable for your needs is recommended.

Fluoride is recognized as very beneficial in the prevention of cavities. Although there is fluoride in our water and the foods we eat, fluoride applied in the dental office is available in many forms and is strongly advised for children and adults.

Brushing twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste or gel and flossing daily are also urged by your dentist as a means to keep plaque under control as much as possible. Avoiding or limiting sugary beverages and treats and encouraging healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables are advocated for helping to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

It is never too early to start teaching the values of excellent oral hygiene habits to win in the battle with dental decay. Call our experienced dental team today to schedule your next exam.

Life with a missing tooth can be quite a challenge. Without the full complement of properly shaped and sized teeth, chewing and speaking can be impacted. The smile can be noticeably impacted by a missing tooth. And the neighboring teeth may not be receiving adequate support. [pullquote]For replacing congenitally missing teeth, dental implants are often the best choice. [/pullquote]

In light of the disadvantages associated with missing teeth, it is fortunate that patients can elect to replace these teeth with dental implants in Burnaby.

Sometimes a missing tooth is due to a traumatic injury, extensive tooth decay, or periodontal disease with bone loss. In just as many cases, the missing tooth is the result of a congenital condition. This condition, in which a person may be born without one or more permanent teeth, is a fairly common occurrence. For various reasons, roughly 6% of the American population can be found to be missing either the second premolars or the upper laterals.

For replacing congenitally missing teeth, dental implants are often the best choice. The option of a removable partial or denture is typically too bulky and excessive for replacing only one or two teeth. A dental bridge would require the filing down of the healthy teeth on either side of the congenitally missing tooth. Only a dental implant can replace the missing tooth without clipping, hooking, or otherwise compromising the neighboring teeth.

The implant, similarly shaped and sized to a natural tooth, is designed to behave as such. Once it has properly healed, it will be anchored to the jaw bone. the implant is secure enough to allow patients to sustain a normal diet. The tooth stands alone with proper bone support, and can be brushed and flossed like a normal tooth.

Your implant dentist will need to evaluate several factors such as your overall health and the amount of available bone at the site of the proposed implant to determine if the procedure is right for you. To begin your exploration into dental implants for the replacement of congenitally missing teeth, call the office of Dr. Bernard Jin for your appointment today.

TMJ disorder is a generic term that refers to many of the problems associated with the temporomandibular joint. Our dentist serving Capitol Hill CO can discuss the symptoms and remedies recommended for those who suffer from TMJ disorder.

The temporomandibular joint is located just above your jaw in front of your ear. There are two of these joints, one on each side, and they are designed to work together to allow us to chew, speak, yawn …. virtually anything that is related to tasks involving our mouth or jaw.

This joint is a very complex part of the body. It has many functions, and as such when there is discomfort, locating the exact source can be difficult. This joint is made up of muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, bones, connective tissue and teeth.

TMJ disorder involves inflammation, and can manifest itself in many ways.  Migraines, neck or shoulder discomfort, earache and even hearing loss can be attributed to TMJ disorder.  Chewing difficulties or a clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth should be examined by a dentist for the root cause.

One of the major causes of TMJ disorder has focused on the grinding and clenching of teeth. Most often this is an involuntary function done during sleep or unconsciously throughout the day. Many people grind their teeth at times due to anxiety, which is normal. But when grinding becomes more habitual, your dentist has several suggestions to help.

Perhaps on initial examination your dentist might recommend some of the simpler ideas you can try such as smaller bites of food when you chew, avoid biting your nails or chewing gum. But for longer term relief, many have found that employing the use of a night guard will help alleviate the grinding and teeth clenching often associated with TMJ disorder.

A night guard is also called an occlusal splint or a mouth guard. There are several different types so a discussion with your dentist will help determine what will work best for you.

In addition to a night guard, your dentist might also suggest checking your bite for any signs of a malocclusion which might alter the motion engaged while chewing. A bite adjustment might provide some relief to minor TMJ disorders.  Also your dentist might suggest acetaminophen to relieve inflammation, but this is generally a short term solution.

For more information about TMJ disorder and to schedule a consultation, please contact Governor’s Park Dental Group at 303-832-7789.