Preventive Dentistry in Vancouver BC

Hormone and eating habit changes are the big factors for developing gum disease and cavities during pregnancy. If you experience discomfort in your gums, such as any pain, swelling, or bleeding, make sure you visit your dentist and don’t leave the condition untreated. Poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for the mother and baby.

Gum Disease

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, gingivitis or gum inflammation may occur and aggravate, resulting in red, swollen, and sometimes bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not taken care of, the infected gums may recede over time, the bones that support the teeth can be lost, and the teeth can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted. Periodontal disease during pregnancy may also lead to undesirable pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term birth and a low-birth-weight baby. These babies are prone to have developmental problems, asthma, ear infections, and are at increased risk of infant death.

Cavities

Pregnant women may also be prone to cavities as a result of changes in their eating habits. Without proper oral hygiene, cavity-causing bacteria can feed on food residues on the teeth, resulting in plaque and eventually cavities. If cavities are left untreated, and the oral hygiene is poorly practiced, these cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted from the mother to their developing babies and can lead to early childhood cavities.

The frequency of dental X-rays is determined by your oral health. If your teeth are healthy and you haven’t experienced any dental problems recently, you probably won’t need an X-ray at every appointment. However, patients whose dental situation is not as stable or who are being monitored by our doctors may require X-rays more frequently.

Safety of Dental X-rays

At Alta Dental Studio, we understand the concerns many of our patients have about radiation exposure. You should know that a set of four bitewing x-rays exposes you to no more radiation than you naturally receive every day from the environment. However, we assure you that your safety and comfort are our priorities, so we offer state-of-the-art digital X-rays that reduce your exposure by as much as 80 percent compared to film X-rays.

How We Utilize Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool that we use to prevent minor problems from becoming major problems. If we recommend X-rays, our doctors will explain why they’re necessary and how they will benefit your treatment. We never recommend X-rays without a good reason, and if you ever have concerns, please let us know so we can address them.

Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed to your child through saliva. Though the babies may not have teeth growing out of the gums at the beginning, they are likely to develop cavities later if the bacteria reside in their mouth.

Continue caring of your own oral health is still very important.

• Continue with good oral hygiene practices at home. Brush at least twice a day and floss everyday.
• Use fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse to prevent tooth decay.
• Regular dental check-ups and cleaning. Don’t leave cavities and periodontal (gum and bone) disease untreated.
• Avoid sharing toothbrushes or spoons with your baby.

At-Home Oral Health Tips

Practicing good dental care early helps your baby eat and speak clearly. Poor oral hygiene and poor eating habits can increase the risk of developing cavities in early childhood, which may affect the underlying adult teeth.

• Practice good daily dental care on your baby by cleaning and checking the teeth and mouth everyday.
  • Cleaning: Gently clean your baby's mouth using a soft baby toothbrush or wet face cloth. When baby teeth begin to erupt, use a toothbrush with a grain of rice size fluoride toothpaste. Brush your child's teeth twice a day, in the morning and especially at bedtime. Once your child turns 3 year old, brush your child’s teeth using a "pea-sized" amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft child's toothbrush. Fluoride toothpaste used in these amounts is considered safe and effective against tooth decay.
  • Checking: Lift the lip to see along the gum line. Look for white or brown spots which may be early signs of tooth decay.
• Limit sugary foods such as juice, sticky foods, and sugary snacks.
• Introduce your baby to using a lidless cup with water between 6 and 9 months of age.
• Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Rinse after meals and snacks.
• Visit your dentist within 6 months after your child's first tooth appears or when they are about 1 year old.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, parents are encouraged to bring their child for an assessment within six months of first tooth eruption but no later than one year of age. If you wonder why your little one needs to see us so early, the reason is that baby teeth play a significant role in keeping maintaining their oral health.

Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are placeholders that leave room in your child’s jaw for permanent teeth to erupt properly. They also help them learn how to speak clearly and navigate solid foods. If a baby tooth is lost too soon because of decay or infection, neighbouring teeth start to drift into the open space. When the permanent tooth is ready to emerge, it may come in at an odd angle because there’s not enough space for it to erupt properly. This can lead to orthodontic issues as your child grows.

At-Home Oral Health Tips

It’s a good idea to start early at home by cleaning your infant’s gums with a damp cloth. This routine helps to keep your child’s gums clean, but it also helps them get accustomed to the idea that taking care of their teeth is important. Once they have their first tooth, continue brushing with a soft toothbrush. Limit the number of sweets they consume and help them learn how to make on healthy food choices from the very beginning.

Call Our East Vancouver Dental Office

If it’s time for your child’s first visit, please call Alta Dental Studio to arrange an appointment. We love working with children and can’t wait to meet your little one!