Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

 

Pregnant women are particularly prone to periodontal (gum) disease due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy may cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone – which can exaggerate the way in which gum disease reacts to plaque. If you are planning to become pregnant or suspect you are already pregnant, it’s important that you visit a dentist at Cadena Dentistry right away. 

When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis – red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. It is very important for expecting mothers to take treatment steps quickly if they have gum disease because they have a six times greater risk of having preterm and low-birth weight babies. To control the amount of plaque in your mouth and to prevent gingivitis, brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day for two minutes and floss your teeth every day. 

If you are pregnant, please let us know at your next dental appointment. If you have questions about pregnancy and oral health, give us a call today. To learn more about the services we provide at the office, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Pregnant women are particularly prone to periodontal (gum) disease due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy may cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone – which can exaggerate the way in which gum disease reacts to plaque. If you are planning to become pregnant or suspect you are already pregnant, it’s important that you visit a dentist at Cadena Dentistry right away.

When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis – red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. It is very important for expecting mothers to take treatment steps quickly if they have gum disease because they have a six times greater risk of having preterm and low-birth weight babies. To control the amount of plaque in your mouth and to prevent gingivitis, brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day for two minutes and floss your teeth every day.

If you are pregnant, please let us know at your next dental appointment. If you have questions about pregnancy and oral health, give us a call today. To learn more about the services we provide at the office, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

 

What Are Dental Cavities?

Dental cavities are holes in teeth caused by tooth decay. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. You can prevent these cavities by scheduling regular dental every six months with one of our dentists at Cadena Dentistry, reducing your sugar intake, as well as brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

If cavities aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. Finding cavities in the teeth can be tricky, which is why a dentist should always be involved in diagnosing for cavities. Sometimes, cavities can go unnoticed for weeks or months and your dentist will find them during your regular exam. If you experience sensitivity in your tooth as well as visible holes and pits, give us a call right away to discuss your treatment options.

Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. To learn more about the services we provide at the office, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Smoking and Dental Health

Smoking is unhealthy at all costs. It not only can lead to oral and lung cancer in the long run, but its early effects can be cosmetic too. When you smoke, you inhale at least 30 different burning chemicals besides nicotine and tar. These include ammonia, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. The residue leaves a stain and gradually it becomes noticeable, causing your teeth to harden and turn yellow. Of course the best solution to this problem is to quit smoking, but when you can’t quit cold turkey our staff at Cadena Dentistry can offer a variety of options to esthetically enhance and restore your smile.

People who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and causes gum to disease to get worse more quickly in non-smoking.

If you smoke, it’s important to visit our dental team regularly. People who smoke are more likely to have stained teeth, and therefore may need appointments with the dental hygienist more often. To learn more about the services we provide at the office, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.