How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy and Avoid Periodontal Disease
Here at Salmon Creek Family Dental, the dentist in Vancouver WA, we have patients who are expecting and ask us questions regarding oral health care. When a female becomes pregnant, she knows how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle; this will ensure the health of her and her baby. New clinical recommendations from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) urge pregnant women to maintain periodontal health as well. This information has indicated that women who have periodontal disease are at higher risk of having adverse pregnancy outcomes, such giving birth to a pre-term or low-birth weight baby, reports the AAP and EFP. What is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal disease is a chronic gum disease; it is a bacteria-induced, inflammatory condition that will attack the gum tissue. In severe cases it will attack the bone that supports the teeth. If gum disease is not treated, it can lead to tooth loss. Symptoms of Periodontal Disease Gum disease often goes undiagnosed. There are symptoms that people experience and often ignore, such as swollen gums, redness, and even bleeding gums. Gums that bleed when you use a toothbrush or eat are common signs. What happens is the gums will pull away from your teeth, and you can have chronic bad breath, and eventually loose your teeth. If you have these signs when you are pregnant, do not ignore them. Several research studies have suggested that women with periodontal disease may be more likely to deliver babies prematurely or with low-birth weight than mothers with healthy gums. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies with a birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds may be at risk of long-term health problems such as delayed motor skills, social growth, or learning disabilities. If you are pregnant and think you are at risk for periodontal disease these tips can help. Get into a Routine When your baby comes, it will be difficult to maintain structure and a solid routine. But practicing a good health regimen now will help ensure consistent habits. Brush and floss your teeth every day for the best benefits. Get Evaluated Women who are pregnant who visit their dentist for a periodontal evaluation can often decrease the chance of adverse pregnancy complications. Dr. Nelson says it is important to monitor your periodontal health throughout each stage of your life. For a full evaluation visit us today #360-696-9461.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Missing teeth can disrupt the quality of life that you’ve dreamed of, but there’s no reason that you shouldn’t receive the dental treatment you deserve. Dentist in Vancouver, WA Dr. Dale Nelson offers dental implants as a long-term treatment option for the replacement of missing teeth at Salmon Creek Family Dental. Why Choose Dental Implants? Dental implants are a convenient, cost-effective alternative to more temporary treatments such as dental bridges and partial or full dentures. Unlike partial or full dentures, there’s no equipment that needs to be taken out and cleaned separately. Permanently affixed in your jaw, dental implants require only standard routine dental care to maintain a bright, natural looking smile. When it comes to everyday activities like eating and speaking, dental implants provide the comfort and confidence you need in daily interactions with others. Dental bridges and dentures can cause discomfort and require extra care and maintenance, which is not the case with dental implants. Dental Implant Evaluation Dr. Dale Nelson, a dentist in Vancouver WA, and his team at Salmon Creek Family Dental can help you decide if dental implants are right for you through a brief evaluation. Factors that effect whether or not dental implants can work for you include: the health of your jaw bone to place the implant “roots” your overall health, including diabetes and other conditions that may effect healing after the procedure the use of tobacco, which threatens dental health the presence of periodontal disease that requires treatment before implants can be placed current medications that may effect healing These factors are taken into account along with your general dental health, including brushing and flossing habits. Because dental implants are similar to natural teeth, a regular brushing and flossing regimen is necessary to maintain to ensure the health of gum tissue and jaw bone after the dental implant procedure. Dental Implants: A Good Fit? After education and discussion, Dr. Nelson can advise you personally whether or not dental implants are a good treatment option for your dental health. The first step is to schedule an appointment at Salmon Creek Family Dental in order to be evaluated. In addition, Dr. Nelson will need important information from you, including a complete medical and dental history and current dental x-rays in order to determine your eligibility for dental implants. Then Dr. Nelson will sit down with you and explain your options in language that’s easy to understand. Don’t let missing teeth detract from your quality of life – dental implants can help you maintain the confidence and convenience that you desire in good dental health!