Posts Categorized: Women’s Oral Health

Diabetes: The case for healthy teeth and feet

… Dentiatry? Podistry?
Whatever you want to couple name it, we’re keen to share some practical tips to help make life a little more manageable for people with chronic diseases.

Diabetes – the basics.

People with Diabetes have an issue with insulin and their bodies cannot process the food they eat properly. Without getting too science-y, the biggest issue for sufferers is to balance their diet, exercise, stress and illness with the right medication for them. What’s harder, is that for each person this balance can be different, and it’s imperative to control blood sugar levels to reduce the chance of complications. read more

6 Ways You Can Take Care of Your Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is something you know you need to take care of… but you might not be sure exactly how to go about doing so.

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer surface layer of our teeth. It protects against tooth decay and is the strongest, hardest part of your body – stronger than your bones!

Knowing that, why wouldn’t you want to take great care of your tooth enamel?

There are a few ways you can get started this year to help keep your tooth enamel strong:

Eat Calcium Rich Foods

Calcium is considered a super mineral for your teeth because it helps to neutralise acids, which can damage your teeth. It also supports strong bone and dental growth in children, so adding in at least one calcium rich food to your daily diet can positively impact your tooth enamel’s strength.

Limit or Avoid Sugary Food & Drink

We have all heard to avoid sugar for your dental health, but do you know why? It’s because sugar feeds on the bacteria in your mouth, on your teeth, and causes plaque. Plaque is what ultimately causes cavities. So, look at the packaging on your food and drink and try to avoid juices and sodas, which are high in sugar.

Limit Your Citrus Intake

Oranges, grapefruit, and pineapple may be tasty and wonderful juices, but the citric acid in these foods can break down your enamel quickly. Similar to how sugar feeds on the bacteria in your mouth, citric acid breaks down the enamel on your teeth (called demineralisation). This can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain – and breaks down your tooth enamel.

Brush Regularly

Brushing regularly ensures that you are removing the bacteria growth that eats away at your tooth enamel. The addition of flossing means you can also reach places that your toothbrush can’t, removing old food and debris that will breakdown and cause bacterial growth. If you are having a tough time feeling clean after a brushing, have a read about our proper toothbrush size here.

Use Fluoridated Toothpaste

Toothpaste containing fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel by doing the opposite of citric acid – it builds up your tooth enamel through remineralisation. You can read more about fluoride in our blog here.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

By visiting us regularly, you will get a deeper cleaning than brushing alone. In addition, we can keep on top of any tooth enamel issues before they become major health concerns.

If you haven’t scheduled in your cleaning appointments yet this year, give us a ring and we’ll be happy to schedule out your appointments for this year!

Taking Care of Your Teeth After the Holiday Indulgence

The holidays are a stressful time for many people. So much to plan, gifts to purchase, people to see… it can all be a bit overwhelming.

One thing that tends to get forgotten around this time is our health.

We eat sweets, are constantly bombarded by a variety of foods and drink we normally don’t indulge in.

And all this takes a toll on our teeth. It’s likely you forget to drink enough water during this time (even with the heat!) and the excess of sugars in our diet can begin to wear at your tooth enamel.

So, it’s important that once this season has begun winding down you take a look at your family’s oral health. When was the last time you visited the dentist? Do you need a checkup? A cleaning?

Setting yourself up for successfully taking care of your oral health throughout the year means planning ahead. And why not start out right at the beginning of the year – get your teeth cleaning in the books, then get your 6 month check up scheduled, and keep the plan going for the next year.

Give us a call or contact us online to book an appointment and start off 2019 with a clean, healthy smile!

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

Diabetes has an impact on more than just your blood sugar levels. It puts you at risk for greater dental problems.

If your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop gum disease, tooth decay, and inevitably lose more teeth.

In addition, dental infections can wreak havoc on your overall health. Infections which can cause sores and an excess of candida growth, or dry mouth which can cause ulcers and cavities. This can lead to an increase in blood sugar and make your diabetes harder to control.

So, if I have diabetes, how can I help prevent dental problems?

First and foremost, putting your overall health at the top of your priority list. Managing your blood glucose levels will help you take better care of your teeth and gums. Seeing your dentist every six months will also help you to keep on top of dental issues as they arise, before they become true problems.

There is also research which suggest that the relationship between your gum health and diabetes is a two-way street. That means the better you take care of your teeth, the easier your diabetes will be to manage. And the reverse, the better you manage your diabetes, the less issues you are likely to encounter serious dental issues.

What should I look out for if I have diabetes?

If you experience any of the following, make an appointment to come in and talk to us as soon as possible to discuss your options and check on your dental health:

Dry mouth (this could be caused by medications but can lead to higher risk of cavities and gingivitis)
Inflamed or bleeding gums
Delays in any wounds healing in your mouth (ulcers, if you have bitten the inside of your cheek, etc.)
You suspect any form of infection

If you have diabetes, it is important that you have regular checkups with your dentist. Together we can make a plan to help you improve your blood sugar control and lessen the potential damage to your oral health.

Menopause and Oral Health

So you’re in your forties or fifties and experiencing hot flushes, sleeplessness, irritability and weight gain? Welcome to menopause! It’s a natural chapter in a woman’s life, however the symptoms can vary considerably and impact on your quality of life.

Along with the commonly discussed symptoms of menopause, fluctuations in hormones during menopause can also impact on your oral health. This can cause burning sensations in your mouth, altered taste sensations, dry mouth and inflamed, bleeding gums. You may have experienced similar changes during pregnancy, also due to hormonal changes. Lack of estrogen following menopause can also cause bone loss, leading to periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Burning Mouth

Burning mouth syndrome (glossodynia) is a common oral symptom of menopause and peri-menopause, where parts of your mouth experience a spontaneous burning sensation, and may also feel tender or numb. It’s thought that this is due to hormonal changes due to menopause.

Burning mouth syndrome can also affect your sense of taste, with your food tasting bitter, salty, peppery, sour or even metallic. You may also find you’re extra sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is another common oral health issue experienced by women during menopause. Dry mouth occurs when you don’t have enough saliva in your mouth, and this can affect your tasting, chewing, and swallowing of food. It can also affect your speech and increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Frequently sipping water or chewing sugar-free gum can help, and your dentist can also suggest other treatments such as use of artificial salivary substitutes.

Inflamed Gums

Gums are a very sensitive part of your mouth, and menopausal gingivostomatitis can cause inflamed gums, where your gums are swollen and bleed easily. Your dentist can diagnose menopausal gingivostomatitis and prescribe medications to help manage the condition.

It’s very important to identify inflamed gums quickly, as gingivostomatitis can cause periodontitis, an inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Left unchecked, periodontitis causes progressive and irreversible loss of bone, and loose or separating teeth

Bone Loss

We all lose bone as we age, and lack of estrogen following menopause often results in bone loss or osteoporosis. You may commonly think of osteoporosis as affecting the back, hips or limbs, however it also affects bones in the jaw. This can cause periodontal disease, receding gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss.

Visiting your dentist regularly throughout your menopause can help you manage these conditions, and your GP can also help you to find the most effective way to manage other symptoms and help you to get the most out of life following menopause.

Choosing the Right Mouthwash for You

Man Pouring Bottle Of Mouthwash Into Cap

Mouthwash freshens your breath and can help to improve your oral health. Mouthwash helps to kill the germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. There are many types of mouthwash, so how do you choose the right mouthwash for you?

Fluoride Mouthwash

Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, thereby preventing tooth decay. Whilst controversial, fluoride is an important inclusion in most toothpastes, and is also added to the drinking water as a preventative measure in many Australian regions. If you are more prone to cavities, using a fluoride mouthwash can help to maintain your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

Alcohol-based Mouthwash

Alcohol-based mouthwash works as an antiseptic to rid the mouth of harmful germs. However, it can be very strong and many people prefer to avoid alcohol-based mouthwash because of its burning, stinging sensation. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are recommended for children, teens and people experiencing or recovering from alcohol addiction.

Anti-Plaque/Anti-Gingivitis Mouthwashes

Anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis mouthwashes target advanced plaque, gingivitis and reduce inflammation of the gums. These are generally recommended or prescribed by your dentist to resolve specific oral health issues

Sensitive Teeth

Some alcohol-based mouthwashes can be irritating to sensitive teeth or following a dental procedure. If you’ve had a dental procedure or have sensitive teeth or gums, switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash and ensure you use a soft-bristle brush and toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth

Mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, and is best used after brushing and flossing to kill any remaining bacteria.

The use of mouthwash is not recommended for children under the age of 7, as young children are more likely to accidentally swallow the mouthwash.

Remember, mouthwash is used as a prevention tool, not a cure. If you are currently experiencing a bacterial infection, make an appointment to come in and see us. We can help guide you toward a better treatment plan.

Oral Health while Breastfeeding

As a new mum, you’re focused on looking after your baby’s health, but it’s equally important to take care of your own health.

Oral Hygiene

New babies need a lot of time and attention, and new mums sometimes forget to brush and floss. Poor oral health can result in cavities and gum disease, and can also impact on your baby’s oral health. Giving your baby a bottle or dummy that you’ve had in your mouth, even for a short time, can transfer bacteria into your baby’s mouth.

Ensure you maintain your brushing and flossing, and schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

The stress of a new baby, together with reduced sleep, can create muscle tension in the head and neck, which can result in teeth grinding. Sleeplessness and post-natal stress could mean you’re not even aware of teeth grinding, so ask your dentist to check for it.

Medications

When you’re breastfeeding, most medications will get into your breast milk and some can even affect your milk supply.

If you need to have any dental work completed, or need to take any medication, including over the counter medications, whilst breastfeeding, ensure you tell your dentist, pharmacist or medical professional that you’re breastfeeding to ensure the medication is safe for your new baby.

Hydration

If you’re breastfeeding, you need to drink more water than usual to make up for what your body uses to produce milk.

Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, and also affects your oral health. A dry mouth has reduced saliva production, which puts you at greater risk for plaque and gum disease.

To stay hydrated, fill several water bottles and place them around your home, including one beside your usual breastfeeding chair so you can drink whilst feeding. Take small, frequent sips of water before, during and after feeding.

Remember that if you’ve started exercising following childbirth, you need to drink even more water in addition to the extra fluid for breastfeeding.

Being a new mum is a busy and rewarding period of your life, so it’s important that you stay healthy for your own sake and that of your family.

Speak with your dentist or medical professional if you need assistance with your oral health.

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

Pregnant woman at dentist before treatment

So, you’re expecting a baby. Congratulations!

Life is exciting, your body is changing on a daily basis, and there is a lot to think about and plan for.

Pregnancy has a major impact on every aspect of your health, including your oral health. At Vivid Dental, we get many questions from mothers-to-be about the effect of pregnancy on your oral health (and that of your growing baby), and how to maintain optimum oral health during pregnancy.

Are there any common oral health problems I’m likely to experience during my pregnancy?

Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common oral health problem experienced during pregnancy. Symptoms include red, inflamed and bleeding gums.

Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by a buildup of tartar and plaque, and occurs more frequently during pregnancy because the increased level of hormones exaggerates the way gums react to the irritants in plaque. However, plaque — not hormones — is the main cause of gingivitis.

Maintaining a regular teeth-cleaning regimen during pregnancy is very important to keep teeth and gums clean, and prevent pregnancy gingivitis. However many pregnant women experience increased gag reflex sensitivity and morning sickness, and this combination often makes pregnant women stop brushing their teeth, resulting in pregnancy gingivitis. If you experience vomiting or reflux sensitivity, try brushing your teeth at a different time of day or switch to a milder toothpaste flavour.

Pregnancy gingivitis is most common between the second and eighth months of pregnancy, and often goes away after childbirth.

What can I do to prevent morning sickness from affecting my oral health?

Repeated vomiting and reflux can cause serious damage to your teeth. Exposure to stomach acid dissolves tooth enamel, weakening your teeth’s defense against decay.

If you suffer from morning sickness, talk to your dentist about ways to reduce the harm, such as rinsing with water or baking soda immediately.

Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after morning sickness to ensure you don’t further erode the tooth enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth then smear some mild toothpaste over your teeth with your finger

How does my oral health affect my baby’s health?

There is growing evidence to suggest that pregnant women with moderate to severe gum disease may be at higher risk for delivering a pre-term, underweight baby. More research is needed to confirm how gum disease affects pregnancy outcomes. However initial research indicates that gum disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor. Data also suggests that when gum disease worsens during pregnancy, there’s a higher risk of having a premature baby.

What Can I Do to Ensure I Have a Healthy Pregnancy?

Women considering pregnancy should visit the dentist for a checkup and treat any oral problems before becoming pregnant.

Whilst pregnant, eat a nutritious, calcium-rich diet to provide your growing baby with the calcium they need for strong bones and teeth, and to maintain your calcium levels. Cheese, yoghurt, sardines, almonds and leafy green vegetables such as kale and broccoli are good sources of calcium. It’s also important to drink plenty of water and calcium-rich dairy or non-dairy alternatives, and to limit sugar in food and drinks.

During your pregnancy, maintain regular brushing and flossing, and visit your dentist regularly to help reduce dental problems that accompany pregnancy.

What Can I Expect When I Visit My Dentist During My Pregnancy?

First, be sure to let your dentist know you’re pregnant when you schedule your appointment.

Ideally, schedule your pregnancy dental visit in the second trimester of your pregnancy. The first three months of pregnancy are thought to be of greatest importance in your child’s development, and some treatments, such as X-rays, dental anesthetics, pain medications and antibiotics (especially tetracycline) are not prescribed during the first trimester of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

During the last trimester of pregnancy, sitting for long periods of time in the dental chair can become uncomfortable, and stresses associated with dental visits can increase the incidence of pre-natal complications.

Whilst you may be more prone to gagging at any time during your pregnancy, your dentist will be prepared for this situation.

If you need to schedule an emergency visit, let the office know about your pregnancy before you arrive. Discuss any stresses, past miscarriages and drugs you are taking as these can all have an influence on how your dentist attends your needs.

Your dentist may also want to consult with your doctor before any treatment is started. If you have any doubts or concerns, ask your dentist and doctor to discuss your particular needs and any treatment required. If your dentist prescribes medication, including aspirin, do not exceed the prescribed dosage.

Your pregnancy is an exciting time, so maintain your general health and oral health to ensure you enjoy this special time. read more