Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be – Dentist Sandy Springs

Expecting a baby is a very exciting time, and you're already on the right path if you’re staying on top of your dental health. With the proper dental care measures, you'll increase your chances of having a smoother pregnancy, full-term delivery and healthy baby.

If you're planning to get pregnant, consider having your teeth cleaned and any restorative dental treatment done first. If you are already pregnant, be sure to tell your dentist before getting any work done. You should also have a dental checkup at least once during the pregnancy. Although dental cleanings aren't harmful, it's recommended that expecting mothers get them done during the second trimester to reduce the risk of complications.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it's best to postpone dental work during the first and third trimesters as well, as these are critical periods for the baby's development. Your dentist will let you know what dental treatments can be performed during the second trimester, but more complicated procedures will probably be postponed, if possible. Unnecessary treatments, such as cosmetic dental work, should be avoided altogether.

If you do have an unexpected dental problem or emergency, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will look for signs of infection and determine the need for treatment. Dental X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy, but if photos are necessary, your dentist will take extra precautions to protect your baby.

Just as dental health is connected to your overall health, dental care is important to the health of your unborn baby. It's extremely important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, as some dental problems can increase the risk of complications.

The best advice is to make sure your dentist is part of your baby’s pre-natal care team from the beginning.  If we can answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Sandy Springs: Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Why is oral health care important during pregnancy? Because mothers with gum disease have a higher instance of preterm birth, a potentially serious pregnancy complication that may cause health concerns for the infant, typically due to low birth weight.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common form of gum disease known to develop in almost half of all pregnant women likely due to the change in hormones during the pregnancy.   With proper precautions, pregnancy gingivitis generally ends shortly after the birth of the child.  However, it should be monitored by a dentist periodically during pregnancy in order to prevent this form of gingivitis from progressing into more serious periodontitis, an advanced and irreversible form of gum disease that has been linked with preterm birth.

Pregnant mothers with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to go into preterm labor. Prostaglandin, a chemical found in oral bacteria, may induce labor.[1]  Also, high levels of prostaglandin have been found in the mouths of women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

The following guidelines were developed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)[2] in response to the growing concern surrounding oral health during pregnancy:

• Oral Health Education – Counseling and early intervention by healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and dentists to provide expectant mothers with the tools and resources necessary to understand the importance of oral health care during pregnancy.
• Oral Hygiene - Removing the bacterial plaque, which researchers have connected to preterm birth and low birth-weight babies, is essential. Using the correct brushing and flossing methods greatly increase the amount of plaque that is removed from the teeth and gums.
• Fluoride – The American Dental Association recommends the use of toothpaste with fluoride by persons over the age of six.  Echoing their sentiment, the AAPD oral health guidelines advise the continued use of fluoridated toothpaste during pregnancy, and recommends the use of an over-the-counter alcohol-free fluoride rinse to help reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth.
• Nutrition – Educating expectant mothers about proper diet and nutrition during pregnancy will limit unnecessary sugar intake and in turn, prevent plaque buildup.
• Treating Existing Tooth Decay – Expectant mothers are encouraged to have existing tooth decay treated during their pregnancy, which experts believe is a completely safe practice during pregnancy. Restoring decayed teeth will help achieve oral health by removing the bacteria associated with tooth decay.
• Transmission of Bacteria – Expectant mothers are discouraged from sharing food and utensils in order to prevent the transmission of the bacteria known to cause tooth decay.
• Use of Xylitol Gum – Expectant mothers are encouraged to chew xylitol gum (four times a day) as research suggests that chewing this gum may decrease the rate of tooth decay in children.

And ALWAYS Talk to Your Dentist!

Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant may want to consider their oral health before becoming pregnant.[3]  If we can be of assistance or answer any of your questions please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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• Dentist Dunwoody: Oral Health, Women and Pregnancy (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
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[1] Synthetic prostaglandins are used to induce childbirth or abortion.  www.En.wikipedia.org/wiki/prostaglandin

 

 

[2] http://www.aapd.org/

 

[3] Unfortunately, research suggests, treating existing gum disease in pregnant women does not reduce the instance of preterm birth.  Despite this fact, experts insist that regular oral health care should continue throughout pregnancy.



Dentist East Cobb: Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be

Expecting a baby is a very exciting time, and you're already on the right path if you’re staying on top of your dental health. With the proper dental care measures, you'll increase your chances of having a smoother pregnancy, full-term delivery and healthy baby.

If you're planning to get pregnant, consider having your teeth cleaned and any restorative dental treatment done first. If you are already pregnant, be sure to tell your dentist before getting any work done. You should also have a dental checkup at least once during the pregnancy. Although dental cleanings aren't harmful, it's recommended that expecting mothers get them done during the second trimester to reduce the risk of complications.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it's best to postpone dental work during the first and third trimesters as well, as these are critical periods for the baby's development. Your dentist will let you know what dental treatments can be performed during the second trimester, but more complicated procedures will probably be postponed, if possible. Unnecessary treatments, such as cosmetic dental work, should be avoided altogether.

If you do have an unexpected dental problem or emergency, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will look for signs of infection and determine the need for treatment. Dental X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy, but if photos are necessary, your dentist will take extra precautions to protect your baby.

Just as dental health is connected to your overall health, dental care is important to the health of your unborn baby. It's extremely important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, as some dental problems can increase the risk of complications.

The best advice is to make sure your dentist is part of your baby’s pre-natal care team from the beginning.  If we can answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Sandy Springs Dentist: Oral Health During Pregnancy

Apparently, oral health care during pregnancy is often misunderstood by treating physicians, dentists, and their patients. Every pregnant woman should be screened for oral risks, educated about proper oral hygiene, and referred to a dentist where treatment may be necessary.[1] Dental procedures such as periodontal treatment, restorations, and extractions are safe and are best performed during the second trimester. We are hesitant to perform diagnostic radiography regardless of the accepted practice that its safe.  Xylitol and chlorhexidine[2] may be used as adjuvant therapy for high-risk mothers in the early postpartum period to reduce transmission of cariogenic bacteria to their infants.[3] Appropriate dental care and prevention during pregnancy may reduce poor prenatal outcomes and decrease infant caries.[4]

Every pregnant woman should be assessed by a dentist for dental hygiene habits, access to fluoridated water, oral problems (e.g., caries, gingivitis), and continued access to dental care.[5]  Patients should be counseled to perform routine brushing and flossing, to avoid excessive amounts of sugary snacks and drinks, and to consult a dentist.[6]  Many dentists are reported to be reluctant to treat pregnant women.[7] Optimally, physicians and dentists can overcome this situation through education, clear communication, and the development of ongoing collaborative relationships. Physicians can share information on the safety of dental treatment in pregnancy with dental colleagues and provide clear referral recommendations.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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• Dentist Dunwoody: Oral Health, Women and Pregnancy (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
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[1] http://www.mchaccess.org/pdfs/alerts/oral%20health%20during%20pregnancy.pdf.

 

[2] Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at Chlorhexidine gluconate doses up to 300 mg/kg/day and 40 mg/kg/day, respectively, and have not revealed evidence of harm to fetus. However, adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not been done. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. http://www.drugs.com/pro/chlorhexidine.html

[3] http://www.mchaccess.org/pdfs/alerts/oral%20health%20during%20pregnancy.pdf.  HUGH SILK, MD, University of Massachusetts Medical School and Family Medicine Residency Program, Worcester, Massachusetts. ALAN B. DOUGLASS, MD, Family Medicine Residency Program, Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, Connecticut.  JOANNA M. DOUGLASS, BDS, DDS, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut.  LAURA SILK, MD, Health Alliance, Leominster, Massachusetts.

[4] Am Fam Physician. 2008;77(8):1139-1144. Copyright © 2008 American Academy of Family Physicians.

[5] Oral examination should include the teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and mucosa.

[6] http://www.mchaccess.org/pdfs/alerts/oral%20health%20during%20pregnancy.pdf.

[7] Livingston HM, Dellinger TM, Holder R. Considerations in the management of the pregnant patient. Spec Care Dentist. 1998;18(5):183-188

Dentist Dunwoody: Oral Health, Women and Pregnancy

More than 6 million women in the US become pregnant every year and 40% of them for the first time.  During pregnancy, women are at greater risk of experiencing poor oral health care, which has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.  Pregnant women are susceptible to oral infections, pregnancy gingivitis, periodontitis and oral pyogenic granulomas.  Results of various studies regarding oral health literacy show it is directly related to general health knowledge, and therefore, health outcomes of both the mother and the fetus follow the level of the mother’s health knowledge.  These studies show that the prevalence of low health literacy among pregnant women ranges from about 15 to 38% and is associated with older age women and women of minority status.[1]

Because of the low levels of oral health knowledge among these segments of the population, it is important for physicians and public health workers to be aware that a message should be tailored to direct pregnant women in these at-risk populations to seek out dental professionals[2] who can alleviate potential oral health issues that might be related to complications in their pregnancies and the potential of adverse effects on their babies.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health care, please do not hesitate to contact us via email or by phone.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

 be sure to consult your dentist.

Related articles

• Dentist East Cobb: Diet & Exercise May Prevent Gum Disease (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist: East Cobb: Healthy smile, healthy you! (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

---

[1] Jada, September 2012 at 972-979

[2] We have an in-house periodontist should the need arise.

Dentist Sandy Springs: Oral Health and Pregnancy

More than 6 million women in the US become pregnant every year and 40% of them for the first time.  During pregnancy, women are at greater risk of experiencing poor oral health care, which has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.  Pregnant women are susceptible to oral infections, pregnancy gingivitis, periodontitis and oral pyogenic granulomas.  Results of varies studies regarding oral health literacy showed it was directly related with general health knowledge, and therefore, health outcomes of both the mother and the fetus followed the level of their general health knowledge.  These studies showed that the prevalence of low health literacy among pregnant women ranged from about 15 to 38% and was associated with older age women and women of minority status.[1]

Because of the low levels of oral health knowledge among these segments of the population, it is important for physicians and public health workers to be aware that a message should be tailored to direct pregnant women in these at-risk populations to seek out dental professionals who can alleviate potential oral health issues that might be related to complications in their pregnancies and the potential of adverse effects on their babies.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health care, please do not hesitate to contact us via email or by phone.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

 be sure to consult your dentist.

Related articles

• Dentist East Cobb: Diet & Exercise May Prevent Gum Disease (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist: East Cobb: Healthy smile, healthy you! (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

---

[1] Jada, September 2012 at 972-979