Oral Care During Your Pregnancy

You have so much to think about during pregnancy, but your oral health should be a top priority, which can be affected by the hormonal changes you will experience during this time. Women are more likely to develop gingivitis and other dental issues while pregnant. Below are tips for taking care of your oral health while you are pregnant.

1.    Practice good oral hygiene

·      Brushing your teeth prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, brushing alone cannot clean effectively between tight spaces, so flossing is the best way to remove food trapped between the teeth and bacteria. Gargle every night with an alcohol-free mouthrinse. If you can’t keep this routine after every meal, chew sugar free gum, which can help reduce the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.

2.    Oral health care

·      Discuss all your concerns to your dentist; schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible especially if you are encountering gingivitis (swelling of gums) or any serious dental diseases.

3.    Eat healthy

·      Eat a healthy, balanced diet such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain and dairy products. Eat fewer foods high in sugar such as candies, soda and cookies. Drink water or milk instead of fruit-flavored drinks. Remember that what you eat would be your baby’s future.

Your oral health is an important part of your overall health; untreated dental disease can be harmful to you and your baby. Remember that what you do and eat are shared with your baby.

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The Effects of Biting Your Nails

Onychophagia (also known as onychophagy) or nail biting is a habit of constantly placing your nails near your mouth and using your teeth to peel the top. It is triggered by stress, excitement, or boredom.

Here are the unhealthy effects of biting your nails:

·      Nail biting harms your teeth, leading to poorly aligned, weakened teeth.

·      Leaves your fingers sore

·      Skin around your nails may bleed and become infected

·      Swallowing dirty nails can result to stomach problems caused by has germs

·      For those patients with braces, nail biting weakens teeth roots, and could actually loosen or brake the brackets themselves.

·      Increases dental problems such as gingival injury and malocclusion of the anterior teeth

·      Fingernails may become severely deformed

Nail biting is a bad habit that can only make your hands look unsightly and damage teeth or even your gums. If you are trying to quit, try these simple solutions:

·      Keep nails trimmed short.

·      Apply a clear, bitter-tasting nail polish to the nails

·      Try yoga or any healthy activities or exercise to manage your stress

Consult to your doctor if nail biting persists. It could be a sign of a more serious psychological problem. Remember that your physical features reveal your real age and one part is your nails. Keep it healthy and clean!

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Porcelain Veneers vs. Invisalign: Which Is the Best Way to Straighten Teeth?

Nowadays, there are different dental treatments for straightening crooked teeth. The only issue is deciding which one is the best one to give us the results we desire. Two popular ways to improve your smile’s appearance are porcelain veneers and Invisalign.

How porcelain veneers straighten teeth

Veneers are sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics” because straight teeth can be achieved in as little as single visit to the dentist. Thin ceramic shells are placed directly onto the front facing parts of your teeth. You don’t actually move your teeth; you reshape them giving you a perfectly aligned smile.

How Invisalign straightens teeth

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that moves your teeth with clear plastic aligners. The aligners are changed and adjusted every two weeks to reach the desired location.

Advantages of porcelain veneers and invisalign

Porcelain veneers give results quicker. It also don’t just make your teeth straight, they can correct many other problems such as peg lateral and discolored teeth. Also, you don’t have to wear a retainer. Because your tooth roots aren’t moved, there’s no tendency to move back. On the other hand, Invisalign keeps your natural tooth material, which is always great.

If you have crooked teeth, Invasalign is the best choice. Porcelain veneers are a great option for various dental problems apart from minor crookedness, including stains, chips and cracks. Remember to consult to a dentist, he or she will know best when it comes to dental concerns.