It is helpful if oral health is not neglected during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can significantly affect your oral health. There is evidence linking oral health complications to an increased risk of other significant health problems. What’s the most prominent oral health problem during pregnancy? How can you prevent it? Here are some tips from our Hoover, AL dentist.

Problems with your oral health during pregnancy

Women do not visit a dentist during pregnancy nearly as often as they do during other phases of their lives. We can detect problems early on by visiting our office regularly during pregnancy. Most pregnant women experience gingivitis. Pregnant women are more likely to have red, swollen, and bleeding gums due to plaque buildup. It can cause non-cancerous pregnancy tumors if the gums become even more swollen and inflamed. If left untreated, oral health problems can lead to serious health problems. 

There are several ways to prevent gum problems.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the best way to prevent gingivitis. Ensure that every part of the tooth is touched, including the gums. Your gums will also remain healthy if you floss regularly. By visiting our 35124 dental team more frequently, plaque will be reduced, and potential problems will be minimized. 

The impact of poor oral health on your baby

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there may be a link between gingivitis and preterm or low-birthweight babies. Gingivitis can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream of the expecting mother and travel to the uterus. As a result, the bacteria release chemicals that may trigger early labor.

Pregnant women should maintain good oral health to avoid problems. The most common concern you can manage with the help of our dentist is gingivitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to other health issues that can affect your pregnancy and your overall health. Consult your dentist before or during your pregnancy to ensure the safety of both you and your unborn child. We also recommend that you take your baby to the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts to begin their journey to good health. 

For more information, please contact our Hoover, AL dental office today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 20% of children regularly take prescription medications. Over the years, the number of children who take medication prescribed by a doctor has steadily increased. Some medicines may harm your child’s dental health. Our Hoover dental team will better adapt our treatment plan if we know about any medications your child takes during their regular examination.

The following are five ways medications can affect your child’s oral health.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is caused by a reduction in saliva production in the mouth. Many medications cause the mouth to produce less saliva. Especially for young children’s teeth, saliva is crucial for neutralizing acids that may damage them. Leaving a dry mouth untreated can cause tooth decay to increase.

Enlargement of the gum tissue

Certain medications can enlarge or overgrow your child’s gum tissue. Gum inflammation can be prevented with extra attention. Our pediatric dentist in 35124 will recommend care instructions to ensure your child maintains healthy gums if this is the case. 

Tooth decay

Most medications do not cause tooth decay directly. However, some medicines use sugar as a flavoring. Liquid treatments are available in delicious flavors for kids and tablets that taste like candy. Sugar feeds decay-causing bacteria over time, leading to tooth decay. Whenever possible, opt for sugar-free versions of medications. It would help if you also had your child take their medication with a meal and a drink, so the sugary compounds are washed away.

 Bleeding from your gums

Blood clotting can be affected by some medications. An increase in bleeding may occur when your child is about to undergo oral surgery or is about to lose a tooth. If your child takes any medications, please tell us before scheduling treatment. This information will allow our team to provide your child with high-quality care.

Reactions involving soft tissues

Some medications can cause mouth inflammation, discoloration, and even sores.If your child experiences any of these symptoms, please contact us immediately. We can create a customized oral hygiene plan for your child to alleviate these side effects.

Keeping our team informed of your child’s medications is essential. It allows us to make appropriate treatment suggestions. Please contact us if you notice any changes in your child’s oral health. Our goal is to establish a lifetime of healthy habits and improve your child’s oral health with you.

Contact our pediatric dental office in Hoover, AL if you have questions about medications or your child’s oral health or to set an appointment.

There are hundreds of bacteria in your child’s mouth. You and your child need to understand that not all bacteria are harmful. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find out what our pediatric dentist in 35124 needs you to know about the bacteria in your child’s mouth.

Understanding Bacteria

There have been more than 700 kinds of oral bacteria identified to date. The majority of people have less than 10% of these strains in their mouths at any given time. Each strain serves a different purpose. We refer to probiotic bacteria as harmless bacteria that aid in digestion. Your child’s tooth and gum health is also affected by other types of bacteria. Bacteria that cause decay and periodontal disease are the leading causes of bad teeth and gums.

Bacteria can be harmful to your teeth and gums.

Your child’s mouth is constantly filled with bacteria. If conditions are right, certain bacteria species can double their number in 20 minutes, according to Registered Dental Hygienist Magazine. The bacteria feed on starches and sugars that your child ingests each day through food and drink. Certain bacteria produce acids when they consume starches and sugars. Your child’s tooth enamel is eroded by this acid, making them vulnerable to decay.

Take Care of Your Mouth.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the best way to manage the bacteria in your child’s mouth. You should brush for at least two full minutes twice a day and floss regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria. A mouthwash with antibacterial properties may be helpful. Adhering to a healthy diet is also essential for maintaining good oral health. You can reduce the multiplication of bacteria in your body by reducing your consumption of sugar, acids, and starches.

However, not all bacteria are harmful. Thanks to bacteria, keeping your child’s health in check can be beneficial. Follow your child’s oral hygiene routine to protect their mouth and teeth from harmful bacteria. On your next visit to our office, we will thoroughly clean your teeth and check for decay. Additionally, we’ll look for any other signs of oral health issues.

Please get in touch with our dental team if you need more information on keeping your child’s mouth healthy.  Is it time to schedule an appointment, contact our Hoover, AL pediatric dental office today.

When you lose a tooth, you may have difficulty chewing, talking, and smiling. Sporting activities put your child at a higher risk of losing teeth. Consult our pediatric dentist in 35124 to discuss the best oral health solutions for your child. Maintaining your child’s dental health is made easier with a mouth guard. Let’s take a closer look.

Why Use a Mouth guard?

Mouth guards are designed to prevent damage to your teeth. It will protect the tongue, jaw, and lips. Most mouth guards protect the upper teeth because they protrude more than the lower teeth.

Do You Need a Mouth guard?

Your child should wear a mouth guard if they play sports, particularly high-contact sports. There are several sports activities where teeth can become injured, including hockey, football, wrestling, and boxing. Make your child’s mouth guard one of the essential pieces of equipment in their sporting activities. A mouth guard may also benefit players who do not engage in contact sports. Our Hoover, AL dental team says that you can use a mouth guard to protect yourself against oral injuries, even if you are a baseball player or gymnast.

Should I get a custom mouth guard made?

An ideal mouth guard would be custom-fitted for your child’s mouth. Although it is possible to purchase mouth guards in stores, they do not always fit well. Comfortable mouth guards that do not obstruct breathing or prevent you from talking are essential. At your child’s next dental appointment, we can provide your child with a mouth guard. You can rely on us to find a solution that keeps your child’s teeth safe when wearing braces.

Let’s make sure your child’s teeth are protected. Consider how hard it would be to talk, eat, drink, or smile if a tooth was missing. Each time a young athlete practices or competes, they put their mouth at risk. Please protect your child and have him wear protective mouth gear. 

Contact our pediatric dental office in Hoover, AL if you have questions about your child’s dental care or to schedule your child’s next dental appointment.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that tooth decay is the single largest disease impacting children. In fact, tooth decay is more widespread than other common illnesses like asthma. As a parent, you can help establish habits that will lead to a lifetime of optimal oral health for your child. Essential oral health care practices start during infancy. Don’t wait for your child’s teeth to begin erupting before considering their oral health.

1. Clean Gums, Healthy Smile

Before your infant has teeth, it is important that you clean their gum tissue. This can be done by using a clean, damp cloth and gently wiping your child’s gum line. This cleans off any residue from food and drink. When left uncleaned, your child may be at risk for developing gum disease. Our team suggests cleaning your child’s gums at least twice a day.

2. Introduce Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Many parents find it helpful to introduce the flavor of toothpaste to infants after establishing a routine of cleaning their gums. Consult our pediatric dentist in 35124 before using any toothpaste on your child’s gums. A small amount of toothpaste may be rubbed onto your child’s gum tissue. The amount of toothpaste used should be significantly less than what you might put on your own toothbrush. This will get your child used to the flavor and texture of toothpaste in their mouth.

3. Use a Toothbrush Once Teeth Erupt

Once your child’s first tooth erupts, it is time to begin brushing. We recommend selecting a soft bristled toothbrush made for infants. A pea-sized amount of child-friendly toothpaste should be used. Gently brush your child’s tooth, and be sure not to neglect their gums.

4. Schedule Your Child’s First Visit

When your child’s first tooth erupts, it’s time to visit our team. Their first dental examination should be scheduled within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. Children should receive at least two regular dental examinations each year, or more if they are at a higher risk for oral health complications.

Proper oral health practices are vital for infants and children. Your role as a parent is to shape your child’s habits to set them on a path for a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Don’t wait for your child’s first tooth to erupt before considering their oral health. If you have concerns about your infant’s oral health or need to set up their first dental visit, give our pediatric dental office in Hoover, AL a call.