2 Situations That Can Cause You To Need Dental Work
It is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy for you to enjoy a healthy life. Certain events in your life can affect the health of your teeth. When your teeth and gums are not healthy, it can cause other health issues in your body. Here are two situations that can cause your teeth and gums to suffer from poor oral health, requiring dental work to repair any damage.
After Braces
One of the most common types of metal braces use brackets attached onto the front of each tooth and wires to connect them together. Because each bracket sits on the front of your tooth, it creates a lot of extra crevices and pockets where food particles can become trapped. When food is trapped there, it can sit on your teeth for a long time if you don't remove it by brushing properly.
Having excess food particles on your teeth while you are wearing braces can increase your chances of getting cavities on the front of your teeth. The food that gets stuck around your braces and teeth contains acid and bacteria that wears away at your tooth enamel. Over time, this eats further at your teeth, causing tooth decay.
It is also common for you to have indentations on the front of your teeth where your braces used to be attached. And, often you may find white spots of decalcification where the tooth has lost minerals from the acids of food particles. These spots are porous and they can attract stains from food and drinks, which will darken your teeth.
It is not a good idea to try whitening your teeth as this can cause further damage to your teeth. You will need to see your dentist about getting some cosmetic work done to patch the damaged sections of teeth with a composite bonding material.
If you have braces on now, the best way to combat this problem is to brush well after every meal and snack. Be sure to clean around and behind the wires on your teeth. Avoid eating sticky foods that can become stuck around your braces. Also, floss your teeth around and behind the wires with a floss threader, and rinse your teeth with a fluoride mouthwash daily.
After Pregnancy
You may have heard pregnancy causes cavities and tooth loss because the fetus takes calcium from the mother's teeth. A recent study found a correlation exists between tooth loss and pregnancy, but it is not caused from the fetus taking calcium from the mother's teeth.
During pregnancy, there is an increase of acidity in your mouth, which causes an increase in tooth decay. Also, during pregnancy, your hormonal chances can cause your gums to be inflamed and bleed, which can lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis can lead to tooth loss if you don't treat it. So, if you are pregnant or have just had a baby, the chances are higher for you to have a cavity or gum inflammation from gingivitis.
It is important to go to your 6-month checkups during your pregnancy. Be sure to brush with a soft-bristled brush, floss regularly, and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. If your dentist finds any softening of your teeth enamel or gingivitis, they can help you treat it so it doesn't cause further problems for your teeth. Additionally, if you throw up from morning sickness, you should rinse your mouth out afterwards with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of water. If you already have a cavity, then your dentist can help you with the filling and any cosmetic work to repair your teeth.
Be sure to take extra care of your teeth during a pregnancy and while you are wearing braces, and go to your dental checkups. For more information, visit a website like http://www.davidjacksondds.com.
