Not a day goes by that our staff or myself isn't ask "What toothpaste should I use?". It seems we are all being constantly bombarded by advertisements to buy this or that toothpaste. Well, several factors need to be considered in selecting the most effective toothpaste for you. Just some of the issues to consider are:
1. Are cavities a problem - do I have a high decay rate?
2. Do my gums bleed - do I have periodontal disease?
3. Do I have bad breath - halitosis?
4. Can my teeth be whiter?
5. What if my teeth are sensitive?
6. What if am I allergic to a lot of ingredients?
7. What does it taste like?
8. And what about cost?
As you can see, no one toothpaste can meet all these critieria. So let's start with the basics. Remember Keyes's Circles from Part 1? Getting rid of the bugs is the most important thing for a healthy mouth. That means disrupting the plaque at least once every 24 hours. Toothbrushing is just one of the ways, and toothpaste is just one of the aids. Effective plaque removal doesn't require toothpaste. "Dry" brushing is an OK method if done properly.
Next would come "Home Remedies" : baking soda, salt, and peroxide. They are cheap and effective at killing the bacteria that cause dental disease. Just be cautious with excessive use of peroxide as some studies show a link with precancerous lesions.
After that comes commercial toothpastes. Here a balancing act is important for an "all around" good toothpaste; one that prevents cavities, isn't too abrasive to wear away enamel and cause sensitivy, tastes good, and will keep teeth from turning yellow. So, rather than giving you just one "best", I will let you pick from a list based on their RDA Index (abrasiveness). As you will see, most whitening pastes have a high RDA. That is how they whiten, by being abrasive - so beware! Also look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance as an additional check. But as a good, all around, general toothpaste, the Arm and Hammer line has some safe choices.
Then there are the special situations:
If cavities or a high decay rate is your issue, then a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste is what you should be using. We also recommend this for patients who have had a lot of dental work, especially crowns. It's like cheap insurance. It also comes in a version with a desensitizing agent.
If you already have some begining cavities we might recommend the newest paste with ACP. It can reverse the acid destruction on enamel. This is only available from your dentist.
If bad breath or gum problems are the main issue, we carry two - products in the office for that.
If you have dry mouth syndrome, there are toothpastes that help stimulate saliva flow.
For your kids that are learning to brush - use a toothpaste without fluoride but has xylitol as a sweetner and is bacteriostatic ( kills bugs).
Hopefully, you now can make an informed choice on the "best" toothpaste for you. We are always ready to discuss this with you and answer any questions. Remember, this is a fast changing field. Look for updates.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Addendum to Prenatal Advice
The California Dental Association has just released new guidlines for pregnant women. This is evidence-based perinatal guidelines developed in conjunction with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The article is somewhat lengthy, but full of solid information for the mom to be.
Prenatal Guidelines
Prenatal Guidelines
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Part 16: Baby From Twelve to Thirty Months
A. Dental Visits
The dentist should decide how often each child should be seen. Possibly every 3 to 6 months for self applied fluorides and instructions in preventive dental care. Non threating trips to the dentist pay big dividens if and when some dental work becomes necessary. These trips build familiarity and trust with the dentist and the dental staff. Conversely,a lifetime of fear of the dentist can begin when the child's first visit includes needed emergency dental work. More frequent visits may be necessary to control active dental disease. Pit and fissure sealants may be recommended for susceptable teeth.
B. Oral Hygiene
The dentist or hygienist will teach proper tooth cleaning, demonstrate techniques for holding the child for easier cleaning. Follow up examinations will evaluate the effectiveness of the home care, working with both parent and child to master excellent oral hygiene.
C. Dietary Regime
During the second year baby enjoys gradually shifting to a diet of plain table foods selected from the Food Pyramid. His/her appetite and rate of growth are slower during the second year of life. He/she should be allowed to feed him/herself from a plate with small servings of several items on it. A spoon or the fingers can be used and mike is given for him/her to drink from a "sippy" cup. The following amounts are guides for planning the child's diet:
Milk Group Up to 3-4 cups daily. More than one quart of milk daily is unecessary.
Meat Group 1-2 (2-3oz.) servings daily, including plain chopped meats, fish, and chicken, egg, cheese and peanut butter.
Vegetable/Fruit Group 4-5 (1/2 cup) servings daily, including a wide variety consisting of cooked and raw vegetables, fresh fruit and unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices. A citrus fruit or tomato is needed daily as a source of vitamin C.
Grains 2-3 servings daily. Continuing use of iron- frotified infant cereal is recommended until 18 months of age. Other whole grain, unsweetened cereals may also be used and whole-grain breads, crackers, rice, etc., should be added.
Supplements - Fluoride (if not in the water supply) should be prescribed in the appropriate dosage. Other vitamins and minerals are unnecessary.
Other Foods - Regular use of cookies,candy,cake sugars, soft drinks,sugary fruit drinks, snack foods and chips should be avoided. Read labels! This destroys appetite for meals, risks development of dental caries (cavities) and promotes improper lifelong eating habits. It should be remembered that young children learn and aquire food preferences by example set by parents and other family members. Food and sweets should not be used as rewards or taken away as punishment. Nutritous snacks for optimal dental health should be used throughout toddler and preschool years.Fresh fruit, raw vegetables, yogurt, cheese, meat and peanut butter on whole grain crackers make good snacks.
D. Dental Habits
Continued monitoring of finger and sleeping habits.
E. Arch Development
The dentist will check for any abnormalities in arch development and tooth eruption patterns. Radiographs (X-Rays) of suspected pathology or abnormalities may be recommended.
F. Traumatic Injury
Facial traumatic injuries are more likely at this age and should be seen and treated by the dentist immediately.
G. Fluorides
Fluoride should be continued in prescription if indicated. However fluoride toothpastes should not be used until the child can expectorate (spit) and rinse the toothpaste out of the mouth. Swallowing of fluoridated toothpaste can cause GI upset. There are non-fluoridated, non foaming, xylitol flavored toothpastes on the market that are excellent for children to start with.
This should now have baby on the way to their prettiest smile!
The dentist should decide how often each child should be seen. Possibly every 3 to 6 months for self applied fluorides and instructions in preventive dental care. Non threating trips to the dentist pay big dividens if and when some dental work becomes necessary. These trips build familiarity and trust with the dentist and the dental staff. Conversely,a lifetime of fear of the dentist can begin when the child's first visit includes needed emergency dental work. More frequent visits may be necessary to control active dental disease. Pit and fissure sealants may be recommended for susceptable teeth.
B. Oral Hygiene
The dentist or hygienist will teach proper tooth cleaning, demonstrate techniques for holding the child for easier cleaning. Follow up examinations will evaluate the effectiveness of the home care, working with both parent and child to master excellent oral hygiene.
C. Dietary Regime
During the second year baby enjoys gradually shifting to a diet of plain table foods selected from the Food Pyramid. His/her appetite and rate of growth are slower during the second year of life. He/she should be allowed to feed him/herself from a plate with small servings of several items on it. A spoon or the fingers can be used and mike is given for him/her to drink from a "sippy" cup. The following amounts are guides for planning the child's diet:
Milk Group Up to 3-4 cups daily. More than one quart of milk daily is unecessary.
Meat Group 1-2 (2-3oz.) servings daily, including plain chopped meats, fish, and chicken, egg, cheese and peanut butter.
Vegetable/Fruit Group 4-5 (1/2 cup) servings daily, including a wide variety consisting of cooked and raw vegetables, fresh fruit and unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices. A citrus fruit or tomato is needed daily as a source of vitamin C.
Grains 2-3 servings daily. Continuing use of iron- frotified infant cereal is recommended until 18 months of age. Other whole grain, unsweetened cereals may also be used and whole-grain breads, crackers, rice, etc., should be added.
Supplements - Fluoride (if not in the water supply) should be prescribed in the appropriate dosage. Other vitamins and minerals are unnecessary.
Other Foods - Regular use of cookies,candy,cake sugars, soft drinks,sugary fruit drinks, snack foods and chips should be avoided. Read labels! This destroys appetite for meals, risks development of dental caries (cavities) and promotes improper lifelong eating habits. It should be remembered that young children learn and aquire food preferences by example set by parents and other family members. Food and sweets should not be used as rewards or taken away as punishment. Nutritous snacks for optimal dental health should be used throughout toddler and preschool years.Fresh fruit, raw vegetables, yogurt, cheese, meat and peanut butter on whole grain crackers make good snacks.
D. Dental Habits
Continued monitoring of finger and sleeping habits.
E. Arch Development
The dentist will check for any abnormalities in arch development and tooth eruption patterns. Radiographs (X-Rays) of suspected pathology or abnormalities may be recommended.
F. Traumatic Injury
Facial traumatic injuries are more likely at this age and should be seen and treated by the dentist immediately.
G. Fluorides
Fluoride should be continued in prescription if indicated. However fluoride toothpastes should not be used until the child can expectorate (spit) and rinse the toothpaste out of the mouth. Swallowing of fluoridated toothpaste can cause GI upset. There are non-fluoridated, non foaming, xylitol flavored toothpastes on the market that are excellent for children to start with.
This should now have baby on the way to their prettiest smile!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Part 15: Baby From Six to Twelve Months
A. Diet
Usually between the ages of 5 to 6 months when baby is able to sit up in a high chair and willingly opens his mouth to a spoon placed before him/her, he/she is ready for introduction of solid foods. Begin with 2 teaspoons of iron - fortified infant cereal (usually rice) by diluting with infant formula or breast milk and gradually increase the amount used. After introducing cereal, other single - item strained foods (no sugar, starch or salt) should be added one at a time. The interval between new foods should be 5 days Single ingredient vegetables and fruits can be introduced alternately if desired.. Dinners, desserts and combinations should be avoided due to added sugar, starch, salt, etc.
If baby is eating cereal and several vegetables and fruit by 7 or 8 months of age, single - item strained meats may be introduced once every 5 days. After the eighth month, egg yolk (no egg white), mashed potatoes and zweiback or dry toast may be introduced also. Generally about this time baby enjoys soft finger foods from the table such as fruits and cooked vegetables. No salt, sugar or seasoning should be added to these. By 8 to 9 months, unsweetened fruit juices diluted with one - half water may be offered from a cup. Juices should not be given from a bottle. It is best for baby to be fed breast milk or infant formula until one year of age. About that time whole cow's milk may be offered in a cup. (Never use skim milk and use 2% only after consulting the physician or dietetian). Introducing cow's milk before the age of 12 months is not recommended due to immaturity of the infant's gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea and other allergic reactions are commonly a result of this practice.
Supplements - When breast milk, infant formula and a variety of solid foods are being consumed, the only supplement necessary is fluoride, if not available through the water supply.
Other foods - Baby has no need for sugar, salt or seasonings. Regular use of sugary foods such as candy, cookies, cakes, syrups, jellies,honey, sweetened fruit drinks or fruit "aid", soda pop, tec., can be destructive to newly forming teeth. Likewise, fried foods, spicy foods, nuts, chips, fench fries, tea or coffee and popcorn should not be given to baby.
B. Dental Habit
Try to remove fingers from baby's mouth after they fall asleep. However, don't over do it. Continue to use a proper nipple one the bottle and teething appliance.
C. Dental Arch Development
Make sure baby does not habitually sleep on fist or other firm objects under their face. Baby should be examined by the dentist when the first tooth appears. Growth and development of the mouth will be assesed, home care instructions given and any questions answered. This eruption chart will be helpful to monitor baby's progress.
D. Traumatic Injuries
If any traumatic injuries occurs to the face or teeth take the child to the dentist ASAP.
E. Fluoride
Make sure the child has the proper amount of fluoride either through the water or supplements.
F. Oral Hygiene
Teeth should be cleaned by wiping with gauze, wash cloth wrapped around a finger or with a proper sized soft nylon bristled toothbush.
Next time: Baby From 12 to 30 Months
Usually between the ages of 5 to 6 months when baby is able to sit up in a high chair and willingly opens his mouth to a spoon placed before him/her, he/she is ready for introduction of solid foods. Begin with 2 teaspoons of iron - fortified infant cereal (usually rice) by diluting with infant formula or breast milk and gradually increase the amount used. After introducing cereal, other single - item strained foods (no sugar, starch or salt) should be added one at a time. The interval between new foods should be 5 days Single ingredient vegetables and fruits can be introduced alternately if desired.. Dinners, desserts and combinations should be avoided due to added sugar, starch, salt, etc.
If baby is eating cereal and several vegetables and fruit by 7 or 8 months of age, single - item strained meats may be introduced once every 5 days. After the eighth month, egg yolk (no egg white), mashed potatoes and zweiback or dry toast may be introduced also. Generally about this time baby enjoys soft finger foods from the table such as fruits and cooked vegetables. No salt, sugar or seasoning should be added to these. By 8 to 9 months, unsweetened fruit juices diluted with one - half water may be offered from a cup. Juices should not be given from a bottle. It is best for baby to be fed breast milk or infant formula until one year of age. About that time whole cow's milk may be offered in a cup. (Never use skim milk and use 2% only after consulting the physician or dietetian). Introducing cow's milk before the age of 12 months is not recommended due to immaturity of the infant's gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea and other allergic reactions are commonly a result of this practice.
Supplements - When breast milk, infant formula and a variety of solid foods are being consumed, the only supplement necessary is fluoride, if not available through the water supply.
Other foods - Baby has no need for sugar, salt or seasonings. Regular use of sugary foods such as candy, cookies, cakes, syrups, jellies,honey, sweetened fruit drinks or fruit "aid", soda pop, tec., can be destructive to newly forming teeth. Likewise, fried foods, spicy foods, nuts, chips, fench fries, tea or coffee and popcorn should not be given to baby.
B. Dental Habit
Try to remove fingers from baby's mouth after they fall asleep. However, don't over do it. Continue to use a proper nipple one the bottle and teething appliance.
C. Dental Arch Development
Make sure baby does not habitually sleep on fist or other firm objects under their face. Baby should be examined by the dentist when the first tooth appears. Growth and development of the mouth will be assesed, home care instructions given and any questions answered. This eruption chart will be helpful to monitor baby's progress.
D. Traumatic Injuries
If any traumatic injuries occurs to the face or teeth take the child to the dentist ASAP.
E. Fluoride
Make sure the child has the proper amount of fluoride either through the water or supplements.
F. Oral Hygiene
Teeth should be cleaned by wiping with gauze, wash cloth wrapped around a finger or with a proper sized soft nylon bristled toothbush.
Next time: Baby From 12 to 30 Months
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Part 14: Baby From Birth to Six Months
A. Parent Health
Continued monitoring of mother by physician is critical to both mother and baby.
B. Baby's Health
Baby should be throughly examined by the family physician or pediatrician. Congenital birth defects should be diagnosed and refered for proper treatment - this would include dental.
C. Fluorides
Fluoride supplements for forming teeth will likely be recommended and can be prescribed by the M.D. or D.D.S.. Most public water supplies are fluoridated, however baby must drink one liter of water daily to get optimal benefit.
D. Sucking
While breast feeding is optimal, bottle feeding is acceptable if certain precautions are taken. Avoid free flowing nipples that could produce a reverse swallow as baby tries to keep from drowning. This can cause orthodontic problems as baby's teeth erupt. Check the nipples frequently for tears that could cause choking. As for fingers vs. pacifiers, a pacifier habit is easier to break.
E. Diet
During the first year of life, growth is greater than ever occurs again. the rapid growth and metabolism require ample supply of growth and energy nutrients. Human milk is tailored special to your baby's nutritional needs in terms of calories, protien, vitamins and minerals. Breast milk also contains antibodies against intestinal and other infections which can threaten a young infant. It is easily digested with the least risk of allergic reaction, diarrhea or stomach upset.
Supplements - Generally, it is recommended that the breast fed infant be given supplements of iron, vitamin D, and, if not in the water supply, fluoride. Multivitamin drops with iron and fluoride can be prescribed by the physician or dentist. Ask for one that does not have sugar.
Other foods - Up to the age of 4-6 months, baby's nutritional needs can generally be fully met by breast milk and the vitamin/mineral supplement. if for some reason, mother is unable or does not wish to breast feed, a comercially prepared infant formula with iron may be used. Vitamin drops with fluoride should also be prescribed if fluoride is not found in the water supply. Sugar, sucrose, syrup or honey should not be added to the formula or to baby's water. If teething devices are used, sugar-containing substances (such as cookies) should be avoided. Baby should never be put to bed with a bottle. If this is ever done, water only should be put in the bottle.
F. Sleeping
One of the most important influences on how baby developes both physically and dentally is how baby sleeps and is carried during the first months of life. A baby that is carried as well as sleeps on its back does not place unnecessary pressures on developing bones of the face and back. Orthopedic surgeons and orthodontists have long shaped bone by outside pressures. If baby sleeps on its back, full genetic potential can be reached. Swaddling and modern papoose carriers have long been found to be excellent ways to not only nurture baby, help baby develope a straight posture, but also keep fingers out of the mouth that cause dental mal occlusions. In more recent years peditricians have found a higher incidence of SIDS in babys that sleep on their stomachs(prone position), and therefore are encouraging back (supine position) sleeping.
Next time: Six to Twelve Months.
Continued monitoring of mother by physician is critical to both mother and baby.
B. Baby's Health
Baby should be throughly examined by the family physician or pediatrician. Congenital birth defects should be diagnosed and refered for proper treatment - this would include dental.
C. Fluorides
Fluoride supplements for forming teeth will likely be recommended and can be prescribed by the M.D. or D.D.S.. Most public water supplies are fluoridated, however baby must drink one liter of water daily to get optimal benefit.
D. Sucking
While breast feeding is optimal, bottle feeding is acceptable if certain precautions are taken. Avoid free flowing nipples that could produce a reverse swallow as baby tries to keep from drowning. This can cause orthodontic problems as baby's teeth erupt. Check the nipples frequently for tears that could cause choking. As for fingers vs. pacifiers, a pacifier habit is easier to break.
E. Diet
During the first year of life, growth is greater than ever occurs again. the rapid growth and metabolism require ample supply of growth and energy nutrients. Human milk is tailored special to your baby's nutritional needs in terms of calories, protien, vitamins and minerals. Breast milk also contains antibodies against intestinal and other infections which can threaten a young infant. It is easily digested with the least risk of allergic reaction, diarrhea or stomach upset.
Supplements - Generally, it is recommended that the breast fed infant be given supplements of iron, vitamin D, and, if not in the water supply, fluoride. Multivitamin drops with iron and fluoride can be prescribed by the physician or dentist. Ask for one that does not have sugar.
Other foods - Up to the age of 4-6 months, baby's nutritional needs can generally be fully met by breast milk and the vitamin/mineral supplement. if for some reason, mother is unable or does not wish to breast feed, a comercially prepared infant formula with iron may be used. Vitamin drops with fluoride should also be prescribed if fluoride is not found in the water supply. Sugar, sucrose, syrup or honey should not be added to the formula or to baby's water. If teething devices are used, sugar-containing substances (such as cookies) should be avoided. Baby should never be put to bed with a bottle. If this is ever done, water only should be put in the bottle.
F. Sleeping
One of the most important influences on how baby developes both physically and dentally is how baby sleeps and is carried during the first months of life. A baby that is carried as well as sleeps on its back does not place unnecessary pressures on developing bones of the face and back. Orthopedic surgeons and orthodontists have long shaped bone by outside pressures. If baby sleeps on its back, full genetic potential can be reached. Swaddling and modern papoose carriers have long been found to be excellent ways to not only nurture baby, help baby develope a straight posture, but also keep fingers out of the mouth that cause dental mal occlusions. In more recent years peditricians have found a higher incidence of SIDS in babys that sleep on their stomachs(prone position), and therefore are encouraging back (supine position) sleeping.
Next time: Six to Twelve Months.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Part 13: Mom and the Prenatal Period
MOM'S DIET
Special dietary instructions should be followed as prescribed by an obstetrician or family physician, including correct use of the Basic Four Food Groups (Food Guide Pyramid) for better dental health of baby. Foods eaten by mother provide the materials which build baby's body and begin forming baby's teeth. Mother's diet should include the Basic Four Foods with special emphasis on:
1. Elimination of refined starchy foods and sugar such as dry sweetened cereals, chips, cookies, cakes, candies and soda pop - using as substitutes moderate amounts of unrefined foods. Those include fresh vegetables, and fruit, whole grain breads and crackers, unsweetened cereals, potatoes, cooked dry beans, peas and corn.
2. Avoid skipping meals and emphasize three balanced moderate sized meals with small snacks between consisting of nutritious foods (no sugars).
3. Basic Four Foods
a). 4 servings daily of low fat (or skim) milk, cheese or yogurt.
b). 2 to 3 servings of complete protien food such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese or eggs.
c). Fruits and Vegetables: At least one serving daily of citrus fruit or tomatoes and three servings daily of other fruits and vegetables including a serving of dark green and dark yellow vegetables.
d). Four servings of whole grains a day such as whole wheat bread and crackers, brown rice and whole grain cereal.
e). 6 to 8 glasses daily of liquids consisting of water, low fat or skim milk, unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid all alcoholic beverages, soda pop and sugared friut drinks; limit coffee and tea.
4. Take vitamin-mineral supplements as prescribed by your physician daily.
EXPECTANT MOTHER'S DENTAL CARE
Professional Dental Care - Regular dental visits should be continued throughout pregnancy. The best possible care can be provided to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy during this special time.
A complete dental history should be taken if you have not been to a dentist recently, and your dentist may talk with your physician if any abnormal conditions exist. This information will help your dentist decide if it is necessary to modify the type of treatment given and determine the best time for treatment.
Non-emergency (elective) treatment can be performed safely during pregnancy. However, treatment maybe avoided during the first and last three months for a number of reasons. First, if you have a history of miscarriage, are threatening to miscarry, or because of other medical conditions, your dentist may recommend that treatment be posponed until later in the pregnancy or after delivery. Secondly, some pregnant women may be more anxious, more nervous, or subject to gagging during the first few months of pregnancy. If these conditions exist, first discuss your fears with your dentist. Special care will be taken to insure that you do not experience unnecessary physical or emotiomal stress. If your dentist does not think you can tolerate the suggested dental treatment, most often it can be postponed.
Finally, the last months of pregnancy may be uncomfortable for the mother to sit in the dental chair for extended periods. In addition, if you have a history of premature babies, treatment should also be avoided during this time. For your peace of mind and comfort, the fourth to sixth months of pregnancy are usually the best time for treatment.
X-Rays - The dentist uses x-rays to help detect dental caries and other problems. Only the x-rays that are necessary for treatment should be taken during this time. Although the amount of radiation produced from a dental x-ray is very small (and the new digitals are only one tenth of the standard ones), only necessary - not routine- ones should be taken at tis time. Ask that a lead apron be used to prevent exposure to the developing child.
Drugs - Some drugs and anesthetics can be used during and after dental treatment to make you more comfortable. Only those drugs which have no proven side effects should be given. your dentist will consult with your phsician and use their expert judgement to determine what drug can be given at different times during your pregnancy. Also, be sure to inform your dentist of any prescribed drugs you are taking. This will help determine the type of drug, if any, that will be prescribed before,during or after treatment. Take only the correct amount of the drug prescribed. This includes aspirin! If you have any concerns about the effect of any drug on your pregnancy, discuss them with your dentist and physician. Both are concerned about you and your baby's health.
Next time: the Birth to Six Months Period.
Special dietary instructions should be followed as prescribed by an obstetrician or family physician, including correct use of the Basic Four Food Groups (Food Guide Pyramid) for better dental health of baby. Foods eaten by mother provide the materials which build baby's body and begin forming baby's teeth. Mother's diet should include the Basic Four Foods with special emphasis on:
1. Elimination of refined starchy foods and sugar such as dry sweetened cereals, chips, cookies, cakes, candies and soda pop - using as substitutes moderate amounts of unrefined foods. Those include fresh vegetables, and fruit, whole grain breads and crackers, unsweetened cereals, potatoes, cooked dry beans, peas and corn.
2. Avoid skipping meals and emphasize three balanced moderate sized meals with small snacks between consisting of nutritious foods (no sugars).
3. Basic Four Foods
a). 4 servings daily of low fat (or skim) milk, cheese or yogurt.
b). 2 to 3 servings of complete protien food such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese or eggs.
c). Fruits and Vegetables: At least one serving daily of citrus fruit or tomatoes and three servings daily of other fruits and vegetables including a serving of dark green and dark yellow vegetables.
d). Four servings of whole grains a day such as whole wheat bread and crackers, brown rice and whole grain cereal.
e). 6 to 8 glasses daily of liquids consisting of water, low fat or skim milk, unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid all alcoholic beverages, soda pop and sugared friut drinks; limit coffee and tea.
4. Take vitamin-mineral supplements as prescribed by your physician daily.
EXPECTANT MOTHER'S DENTAL CARE
Professional Dental Care - Regular dental visits should be continued throughout pregnancy. The best possible care can be provided to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy during this special time.
A complete dental history should be taken if you have not been to a dentist recently, and your dentist may talk with your physician if any abnormal conditions exist. This information will help your dentist decide if it is necessary to modify the type of treatment given and determine the best time for treatment.
Non-emergency (elective) treatment can be performed safely during pregnancy. However, treatment maybe avoided during the first and last three months for a number of reasons. First, if you have a history of miscarriage, are threatening to miscarry, or because of other medical conditions, your dentist may recommend that treatment be posponed until later in the pregnancy or after delivery. Secondly, some pregnant women may be more anxious, more nervous, or subject to gagging during the first few months of pregnancy. If these conditions exist, first discuss your fears with your dentist. Special care will be taken to insure that you do not experience unnecessary physical or emotiomal stress. If your dentist does not think you can tolerate the suggested dental treatment, most often it can be postponed.
Finally, the last months of pregnancy may be uncomfortable for the mother to sit in the dental chair for extended periods. In addition, if you have a history of premature babies, treatment should also be avoided during this time. For your peace of mind and comfort, the fourth to sixth months of pregnancy are usually the best time for treatment.
X-Rays - The dentist uses x-rays to help detect dental caries and other problems. Only the x-rays that are necessary for treatment should be taken during this time. Although the amount of radiation produced from a dental x-ray is very small (and the new digitals are only one tenth of the standard ones), only necessary - not routine- ones should be taken at tis time. Ask that a lead apron be used to prevent exposure to the developing child.
Drugs - Some drugs and anesthetics can be used during and after dental treatment to make you more comfortable. Only those drugs which have no proven side effects should be given. your dentist will consult with your phsician and use their expert judgement to determine what drug can be given at different times during your pregnancy. Also, be sure to inform your dentist of any prescribed drugs you are taking. This will help determine the type of drug, if any, that will be prescribed before,during or after treatment. Take only the correct amount of the drug prescribed. This includes aspirin! If you have any concerns about the effect of any drug on your pregnancy, discuss them with your dentist and physician. Both are concerned about you and your baby's health.
Next time: the Birth to Six Months Period.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Part 12: The Prenatal period
PARENT HEALTH
Baby's health is best served when blessed by healthy parents. A complete physical examination by a physician of both prospective parents is of extreme importance. The expectant mother especially should be closely observed during pregnancy by either her family physician or an obstetrician.
FAMILY DENTAL HEALTH
As you know, babies develop in the sterile environment of the mother's womb. We know that the germs that cause dental disease, cavities and gum problems, are not in the womb. Then, how do we get these germs? The answer is not one we like very much. Research has shown that they come from those we love. From the people who kiss baby. Dental disease is a communicable, infectious disease process. It, therefore, becomes a family concern when we talk about helping baby to the prettiest smile. The job becomes very difficult if baby is daily reinfected by a family member or care giver with uncontrolled dental disease. We now know how to control both caries (decay) and periodontal disease (pyhorrea). The process does not take long and is not expensive, so, the first thing to help baby is to have the family ready (dentally) for baby.
MOTHER'S DENTAL HEALTH
Oral Hygiene - During pregnancy, there is a special need for good oral hygiene because pregnancy may exaggerate some dental disorders and poor oral hygiene can cause complications like preterm low birth weights and preeclampsia.
Dental Caries - Many women still believe that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy, but this is not true. Decay is the result of repeated acid attacks on the tooth enamel, not from repeated pregnancies. If a pattern of frequent consumption of sugar- rich foods is allowed, and plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, decay will develop. Avoid the unnecessary loss of teeth by thoroughly brushing and flossing daily to remove harmful plaque. See Part 4.
Morning sickness and an increased gag reflex makes good oral hygiene more difficult. If these problems occur, please advise us and we can provide ways to overcome these problems. Ex - Gargle first with Chloraseptic to temporarily numb the gag reflex, and use of a water irrigator can help.
Pregnancy gingivitis - Unremoved plaque on your teeth can irritate the gums, making them red, tender, and likely to bleed easily when you brush. This condition is called gingivitis and can lead to more serious problems of the gums and bone that anchor your teeth in place. During pregnancy, gingivitis may occur more frequently due to an increased rise in hormone levels. This exaggerates the gum tissues' response to the irritants in plaque. But remember, plaque is the major cause of gingivitis. Even though hormone changes are occuring, you can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and eat a balanced diet low in sugar to keep your gums healthy.
Next time - More on food and MOM.
Baby's health is best served when blessed by healthy parents. A complete physical examination by a physician of both prospective parents is of extreme importance. The expectant mother especially should be closely observed during pregnancy by either her family physician or an obstetrician.
FAMILY DENTAL HEALTH
As you know, babies develop in the sterile environment of the mother's womb. We know that the germs that cause dental disease, cavities and gum problems, are not in the womb. Then, how do we get these germs? The answer is not one we like very much. Research has shown that they come from those we love. From the people who kiss baby. Dental disease is a communicable, infectious disease process. It, therefore, becomes a family concern when we talk about helping baby to the prettiest smile. The job becomes very difficult if baby is daily reinfected by a family member or care giver with uncontrolled dental disease. We now know how to control both caries (decay) and periodontal disease (pyhorrea). The process does not take long and is not expensive, so, the first thing to help baby is to have the family ready (dentally) for baby.
MOTHER'S DENTAL HEALTH
Oral Hygiene - During pregnancy, there is a special need for good oral hygiene because pregnancy may exaggerate some dental disorders and poor oral hygiene can cause complications like preterm low birth weights and preeclampsia.
Dental Caries - Many women still believe that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy, but this is not true. Decay is the result of repeated acid attacks on the tooth enamel, not from repeated pregnancies. If a pattern of frequent consumption of sugar- rich foods is allowed, and plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, decay will develop. Avoid the unnecessary loss of teeth by thoroughly brushing and flossing daily to remove harmful plaque. See Part 4.
Morning sickness and an increased gag reflex makes good oral hygiene more difficult. If these problems occur, please advise us and we can provide ways to overcome these problems. Ex - Gargle first with Chloraseptic to temporarily numb the gag reflex, and use of a water irrigator can help.
Pregnancy gingivitis - Unremoved plaque on your teeth can irritate the gums, making them red, tender, and likely to bleed easily when you brush. This condition is called gingivitis and can lead to more serious problems of the gums and bone that anchor your teeth in place. During pregnancy, gingivitis may occur more frequently due to an increased rise in hormone levels. This exaggerates the gum tissues' response to the irritants in plaque. But remember, plaque is the major cause of gingivitis. Even though hormone changes are occuring, you can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and eat a balanced diet low in sugar to keep your gums healthy.
Next time - More on food and MOM.
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