Why is it important to use dental floss?

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

How to floss properly:

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!

Dental Health for Pregnant Women

Image Source: Mouth Healthy

Many things go through a woman’s mind when she finds out that she is pregnant. When will she have her first ultrasound? What will she name the baby? Is it a boy or a girl?

Her dental health may well be one of the last things on her mind. However, a mother’s oral health can affect the health of her baby.

Mothers with gum disease have a higher instance of preterm birth. Preterm birth can cause serious problems for the infant, including low birth weight. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may also render a mother more susceptible to teeth and gum problems.

Preventing Pregnancy Gingivitis

In 2009, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry announced new oral health guidelines for pregnant women. These guidelines are designed to help pregnant women maintain healthy teeth and gums during their pregnancy and throughout the early stages of motherhood. These guidelines include:

1. Oral Hygiene: Correct brushing and flossing practices can help remove bacterial plaque, which is connected to preterm birth.
2. Fluoride: Pregnant women should continue to use fluoridated toothpaste. They should also use an over-the-counter alcohol-free fluoride rinse to reduce the amount of plaque in their mouths.
3. Treatment of Existing Tooth Decay: Existing tooth decay should be treated during pregnancy. Restoring decayed teeth will improve oral health by removing bacteria produced by the decay process.
4. Prevention of Transmission of Bacteria: Expectant mothers are discouraged from sharing utensils or food with others. Avoid sharing these items in order to prevent the transmission of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
5. Use of Xylitol Gum: When chewed four times a day, gum sweetened with xylitol has been shown to decrease the rate of tooth decay in children.

Pregnancy gingivitis develops in almost half of all pregnant women. It typically ends shortly after the birth, but it should be monitored throughout the pregnancy to ensure that it doesn’t progress into periodontitis. A more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis is irreversible. Pregnant mothers with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to go into preterm labor.

The Dangers of Preterm Birth

It may be hard for a pregnant mom to internalize the true danger that periodontitis poses for an unborn baby. The danger lies in prostaglandin, a chemical found in oral bacteria. High levels of prostaglandin have been found in the mouths of women with periodontitis. Prostaglandin may work to induce labor in pregnant women, causing preterm birth.

Babies born too early often have a low birth weight, which can cause significant health problems. Babies born prematurely have an increased risk of developing lung conditions, heart conditions and learning disorders. If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, consult your dentist about the state of your oral health.