Pregnancy and Gum Disease

Pregnancy and Gum Disease

By Mina Levi, DDS, 12/31/2014

In a previous article, we discussed eight ways to keep gums healthy during pregnancy, which gave some tips on prevention of gum disease during pregnancy. What it didn’t cover, and what Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS is going to cover in this article, is what exactly happens to your gums during pregnancy, why the prevention is important, and what the outcomes of non-treatment are.

Will pregnancy affect my oral health?

Gingivitis occurs in 60 to 75% of pregnant women, tending to surface most frequently in the second trimester of pregnancy. Expectant mothers (and some women taking oral contraception) experience elevated levels of hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. This causes the gums to react differently to plaque bacteria and in many cases causes gingivitis. Symptoms include swollen, red gums and bleeding when brushing the teeth. If a woman already has gingivitis, it will most likely get worse with pregnancy, especially without treatment. Bacteria in the mouth causes the gingivitis, the hormones provoke it. The infected gum pockets provide access to the bloodstream, allowing bacteria to travel through the body. Your body reacts to the infections in your gums by producing prostaglandins, a natural fatty acid that's involved with inflammation control a smooth muscle contraction.  During your pregnancy the level of prostaglandins gradually increases, peaking when you go into labor.  One theory is that, if extra prostaglandins are produced as a reaction to the bacterial infection in your gums, your body may interpret it as a signal to go into labor and your baby can be born to early or too small.

Could pregnancy gingivitis affect my baby?

There is a connection between gingivitis during pregnancy and low birth weight/pre-term delivered babies. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums. If this does happen, it can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of prostaglandins, which cause uterine contractions that induce premature labor.

Is it safe to have dental treatment while pregnant?

Oral care is vital during the pregnancy, and regular dental cleanings and check ups to avoid oral infections that can affect the fetus is incredibly important. Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS recommends that any major dental treatment that isn’t urgent should be postponed until after the baby is born. For more urgent procedures, the second trimester is the best time to have procedures done to minimize risk to the baby.

Prevention

We have talked about prevention before, but we will re-iterate. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near your gum-line and:

1. Brush your teeth at least twice per day and after meals when possible

2. Floss daily

3. If you suffer from morning sickness, repeatedly rinse out your mouth with water and brush your teeth as often as possible to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting.

4. If brushing your teeth causes morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water, brush without toothpaste and then use an anti-plaque fluoride mouthwash

5. Eat a well-balanced diet with vitamins C and B12

6. See the dentist for help controlling plaque and preventing gingivitis, and go to your scheduled routine exams and cleanings to maintain good dental health.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding gingivitis and pregnancy, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, pregnancy, gingivitis, gum disease, gum disease and pregnancy, gingivitis and pregnancy, pregnant gingivitis, early delivery, under-weight baby, per-term baby

Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling

By Mina Levi, DDS, 12/04/2014

You may have heard about a relatively controversial old-school remedy for improving oral health called “oil pulling”. Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (usually coconut oil or sunflower oil) in a person’s mouth on an empty stomach for about fifteen to twenty minutes. This act is supposed to be able to “pull” toxins out of the body through the teeth and oral tissue, improving oral and overall health. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi discusses oil pulling, potential pros and researched effectiveness of the method.  

How is oil pulling supposed to work?

There are thousands of different types of bacteria in the mouth, many of which have hydrophobic outer layers. Hydrophobic means “water-fearing” molecules, just like oil (if you have ever seen oil separate when put in water; that is the hydophobicity at work). The way that oil pulling theoretically is that when the oil makes contact with the hydrophobic bacteria, the bacteria will cling to the oil and be removed from the location in the mouth.

Potential Pros:

1.  Reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. In a study performed in 2008, oil pulling caused a reduction in the number of Streptococcus Mutans (bacteria) in the plaque in the mouth in about 2 weeks. The oil pulling was not as effective, however, as chlorhexidine, which is what is prescribed by the dentist to remove bacteria in the mouth when there is over-abundance.

2. Reduce plaque and gingivitis. Another study concluded that oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouthwash were effective against gum inflammation.

3. Reduce bad breath. In a study of twenty adolescents, oil pulling therapy reduced markers for bad breath and was found to be just as effective as chlorhexidine.

Despite the possible benefits that oil pulling can have, it is also important to remember that oil pulling does not in any way replace regular oral hygiene and professional check-ups. If you have questions or concerns regarding oil pulling, please visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, oil pulling, oil, pulling, oil pulling treatment, oil pulling for teeth, oil pulling teeth whitening, oil pulling bacteria, oil pulling detox, detox, oral detox, oral bacteria, bacteria, cavities, gingivitis, plaque, bad breath

What are Your Teeth Telling You About Your Workout?

What are Your Teeth telling you About Your Workout?

By Mina Levi, DDS, 11/06/2014

Working out is routine part of a healthy lifestyle, just like brushing and flossing your teeth is. The two may not seem connected, but your workout can affect your dental health in many interesting ways. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS outlines a few signs that your workout is affecting your oral health.

1.  Sensitive Teeth: When you exercise, your increase circulation to all parts of your body, including your teeth. If you are working out outdoors, breathing in cold air during times when your circulation is increased to your teeth can make your teeth very sensitive. If this is occurring, try to work out outside when it is warm outside and use a sensitive toothpaste.

2. Multiple cavities: Athletes and people who are exercising often tend to drink more sports drinks than sedentary individuals. These drinks are highly acidic and can wear away enamel and promote bacteria and plaque build-up in the mouth. Make sure to finish sports drinks quickly rather than sipping them over a long period of time, and then drink plenty of water.

3. Dry mouth: When you exercise, the body suppresses the production of saliva and the spit that it does produce is more acidic. This will cause the feeling of dry mouth or dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, then regularly sip or rinse with water periodically throughout the workout.

If you have any questions about your workout habits or dental care routine, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, teeth, workout, working out, gym, oral hygiene, oral health, healthy, healthy lifestyle, dry mouth, cavities, dental decay, dental enamel, oral bacteria, plaque, plaque buildup, sports drinks, electrolytes, Gatorade, teeth sensitivity, sensitive teeth

Be Informed About Oral Piercings

Be Informed About Oral Piercings

By Mina Levi, DDS 02/13/2014

Many people get piercings, but there are risks to your dental and oral health involved in getting an oral piercing that you need to know about before deciding on getting one. In the article below, we discuss risks and other information associated with oral piercings so that you can be as informed as possible.

Risks of Getting an Oral Piercings

1. Symptoms after oral piercings include pain, swelling, and increased saliva flow.  

2. The mouth is home to a large amount of bacteria even when oral hygiene is readily executed, and infections occur readily after an oral piercing. Although not as common, severe infections such as hepatitis or endocarditis can occur as a result of an oral piercing.

3. Piercers do not typically have training in anatomy and physiology, and if a blood vessel or nerve is in the pathway of the needle during the piercing process it can cause severe bleeding or nerve damage.

4. Sometimes blood poisoning, metal allergies, or blood clots can occur.

5. Metal jewelry in the mouth is often the cause of cracked and broken teeth. This risk is reduced slightly by plastic jewelry, but is not eliminated.

6. Piercings of the lips in which the backside of the jewelry lies on the inside of the mouth can cause irritation of the gum tissue as it can scrape and wear gum tissue away as it moves in the mouth. This requires reconstructive surgery to repair and sometimes results in the loss of teeth. It is incredibly important to check the gum health regularly at the dental office of Dr. Mina Levi DDS to discover this early.

If You Already Have an Oral Piercing

If you already have an oral piercing, you may want to consider having the jewelry removed to protect

 your teeth and gums. If you decide to keep it, make sure to do the following:

1. Remove the jewelry when participating in sports, and also wear a mouth guard.

2. Check the tightness of your jewelry regularly with very clean hands, to ensure the jewelry is never loose.

3. Have regular check-ups with the dentist Dr. Mina Levi to keep track of the health of the gums and teeth.

How to Choose a Good Piercer

Choosing a professional is very important when considering having

an oral piercing done, because you want it done correctly. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) provides resources for finding a reputable piercer on their website at www.safepiercing.org. It is important to make sure your piercer uses an autoclave sterilizer and that they do not re-use needles. Make sure that the piercing room is clean and that you will be receiving aftercare instructions. It is encouraged that you ask your piercer questions that will help you evaluate their experience. Be sure to follow your instincts; if the piercer or piercing location does not seem to meet all of the standards or does not make you feel comfortable, then go somewhere else.

It is your personal decision whether or not to get an oral piercing, but make sure that you are as informed as possible before deciding. If you have any questions or concerns about oral piercings and the risks involved with your oral health, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Oral Piercing, Risks of Oral Piercings, Oral Health, Gum Damage, Tooth Loss

Tips to Reduce Cavities

Tips to Reduce Dental Cavities

          When we think of cavities in the mouth, we immediately think that the teeth brushing routine has been poorly implemented and that must be the only reason. However, there are quite a few components that go into the cause of dental caries and along with them come a few ways to reduce their occurrence. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS is the most important aspect of keeping cavities out of the mouth. Below, we discuss the components that lead to caries and how to avoid them.

 

 
 

Components:

1.      Diet and Sugar Intake. When a person ingests carbohydrates (sugars), the bacteria in the mouth produce acid as they break down and metabolize these sugars. This acid causes dental caries and deepens the cavity over time with exposure, so-called tooth de-calcification.

2.     Oral Hygiene. Yes, we have been told over and over again that if you don’t have a proper oral hygiene regimen, that you will see decay in your teeth. This not only means brushing often, but also includes brushing correctly, using dental floss, and properly cleaning the tongue. Another important aspect of oral hygiene is to get your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS.

3.     Genes and the Strength of the Enamel. Sometimes, unfortunately, we inherit genes that give us weakened enamel without any fault of our own. Enamel is the hard substance that makes up the outside of the teeth, and protects the tooth structure from bacteria and decay. If enamel is weak or is weakened, dental caries will be more prominent.

 

Tips to reduce caries:

 

1. Use Xylitol products. Xylitol is a sweet, white substance that looks and tastes like sugar, but has 40% fewer calories than sucrose and is diabetic -friendly. Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in the fibers of fruits and vegetables like corn, berries and mushrooms, and the wood of trees like the birch. It is even produced naturally in small amounts by our bodies.  Unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear infections. Xylitol not only rids the mouth of sticky harmful bacteria, it actually promotes the growth of tooth-protective, non-acidic bacteria. Plaque bacteria use sucrose and carbohydrates from our diet to grow and multiply. They create sticky threads that allow them to attach to the tooth surface and each other to form thick layers and acids that damage teeth. When plaque bacteria absorb Xylitol, they cannot multiply, produce acids, or stick to teeth. Using products like Oxyfresh toothpaste and mouthwash and chewing Spry gum means less plaque will form on teeth, and eventually plaque bacteria may be undetectable in the mouth. Xylitol also raises mouth pH and encourages mineral-rich saliva to flow into the mouth. This can protect and re-mineralize teeth by repairing the deep layers of enamel.

2.  Using MI Paste or “Liquid Tooth”. Saliva helps provide essential minerals that strengthen teeth and protect enamel. MI Paste is a product that helps release these vital minerals and stimulates saliva flow in the mouth, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities from forming so easily. MI Paste uses casein phosphopeptides that are derived from milk casein, and is ideal for buffering acids produced by bacteria and plaque, comforting dry mouth, minimizing tooth sensitivity before and after cleanings, and reducing high oral acid levels. Video: http://youtu.be/qHfBDfIZ6kQ

3. Reducing Carbohydrate Intake. Carbohydrates are sugars, which stimulate acid release in our mouths when we consume them and cause cavities. Women should try to reduce their added sugar intake to no more than six teaspoons per day and men should try to reduce their added sugar intake to no more than nine teaspoons per day. Reducing sugar intake will also reduce the acid production by bacteria in the mouth and thus, reduce the presence of dental caries.

4.     Dental Visits. The most important tip to reduce the prominence of dental caries in the mouth is to visit the dentist regularly. It is normally recommended to have a professional cleaning and exam done about twice per year. These exams and cleanings remove built-up plaque and calculus from the mouth and reduce the amount of bacteria that cause dental caries.

For more information regarding how to reduce and prevent cavities from forming, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Dental Caries, Cavities, Dental Plaque, Oral Health, Oral Bacteria, Cleanings and Exams, Xylitol, MI Paste, Tooth Mineralization, Tooth Decalcification

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Pros and Cons

By Mina Levi, DDS 11/26/2013

 

Alignment of the teeth is one of the most important aspects of having the optimal, beautiful smile. The treatment to align the teeth known as Orthodontics can be a bit of a hassle, especially when thinking about having a mouth full of metal for a long time. However, there are options available for patients who are longing for straight teeth that don't involve all of the wire work. The most popular of alternatives is called Invisalign, which is clear alignment. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS can be helpful in making the decision between traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Below we discuss some of the differences between the two, and the pros and cons of both.  
 

 

1. Visibility. Invisalign aligners are exactly as they sound, invisible. They are manufactured with a plastic material and are clear. Traditional braces are made of metal and are absolutely visible.

 

2. Removability. Invisalign aligners are completely removable and can be taken out of the mouth when needed. There are disadvantages to this, however, if the patient is not compliant with the amount of time prescribed to wear the aligners the straightening process will not move along on track. Traditional braces are not removable, which is inconvenient and they get in the way of many activities. The patient compliance is a non-issue with the traditional braces since it is not an option to remove them.

 

3. Oral Hygiene. Since Invisalign aligners are removable and do not block any part of he teeth, oral hygiene is much better than with traditional braces in which it is difficult to remove the plaque from in between and around the brackets. Also, with traditional braces, if the plaque remains on and around the brackets it can cause de-calcification of the teeth and gum inflammation. This changes the color of the teeth permanently in those areas because calcium has been leeched out of the tooth structure by the plaque build-up.

 

4. Irritation. Traditional braces are very bulky and can have sharp edges and ends. Because of this, they commonly cause irritation of the lips and cheeks. Also, it allows for spaces for plaque to accumulate, which causes gum irritation and gum disease. Invisalign clear aligners are customized to fit tightly to the teeth and so they do not irritate the gums or surrounding tissues.

 

5. Diet. Traditional braces come with dietary restrictions due to their physical nature; certain foods are difficult to eat and can cause the brackets to come loose. Also, when braces are tightened it makes the teeth very sore and hard foods are almost impossible to consume. Invisalign allows the freedom to choose one's personal diet due to the fact that they are removable.

 

6. Whitening. Teeth whitening is not an option with traditional braces since parts of the tooth surfaces are covered in metal, and whitening the other surfaces would leave discolored squares on the teeth when the braces are removed. Invisalign aligners can double as whitening trays during the alignment process. You receive whitening gel through the Dentist San Francisco and place it into your trays, then rinse out after 15-20 minutes.

 

7. Straightening Issues. There are certain teeth conditions that are better treated with Invisalign aligners, such as a deep bite condition. However, there are certain teeth conditions that are better treated with traditional braces, such as an open bite condition or rotation of cylindrical teeth.

 

8. Price. The price of Invisalign is very comparable to traditional braces, about $4000-$6500.

 

After reviewing the positive and negative aspects of both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces, you can make the next step in finding an Invisalign Preferred Provider dentist for treatment. Dr. Mina Levi, DDS has been a Preferred Provider for Invisalign since 2009. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule a complementary Invisalign consultation, visit the Dentist San Francisco on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

Topics: Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Traditional Braces, Orthodontics, Dentist San Francisco, Gum Disease, Dental Plaque

How to Take Care of Your Tongue

How to Take Care of Your Tongue 

          We all have been told over and over again how important it is to brush and floss your teeth, and even how using mouthwash is great for destroying germs. One thing that isn’t emphasized enough is how to take care of our tongue, leaving questions such as, “is my tongue getting clean with just mouthwash?” and “does my tongue need to be cleaned separately?” The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body relative to size, and helps us speak, eat and drink throughout our entire lives. We think that deserves some recognition and that our tongue deserves to be cleaned and taken care of properly. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS can be helpful with getting familiar with the proper tongue cleaning techniques and routines. Below we discuss the nature of the tongue and how to properly clean it.

Understanding the Tongue

 

The tongue is a mysterious, wriggly muscle that lives in our mouths and although we use our tongues every day almost constantly, many people don’t know much about the tongue. The tongue is covered with papillae and taste buds (receptors for taste), which allow it to be the primary organ of taste and helps us manipulate food for eating. The tongue is very sensitive since it is supplied immensely with nerves and blood vessels, which is why it is so painful when we accidentally bite down on it. Not only is the tongue used for eating, but it also functions in creating sounds and words. For example if you hold your tongue between your fingers and try to complete a sentence, you will notice that not only can you not produce the words and sounds that you want to, but also your tongue will contract and fight against your fingers slightly to try to make the correct sounds. Another very important function of the tongue is a natural toothbrush. The saliva that keeps the tongue moist has antibodies and proteins that clean up the bacteria in the mouth, and the tongue can manipulate itself into many positions and areas in the mouth which allows it to detect and remove bits of food that are left over from our last meal.

The tongue has what is called a “tongue map”, which shows that different areas of the tongue are more sensitive to different tastes. Contrary to popular belief, these areas of the tongue are not completely secluded to one particular taste, but different areas of the tongue have different thresholds for sensitivity to particular tastes. The tip of the tongue (4) is known for the sweet taste and the sides of the tongue toward the tip (3) are known for the salty taste. The sides of the tongue toward the back of the tongue (2) are known for the sour taste and the back area of the tongue (1) is known for the bitter taste.

The papillae and taste buds in the tongue are very sensitive and are what help us taste food at all. However, if the tongue is not cleaned properly, build up can cover up endings of the taste buds and dull the sensitivity, making it more difficult for the tongue to taste foods. Also, an unclean tongue can cause very bad breath and allow more bacteria to linger in the mouth, leading to other problems such as plaque build-up on the teeth and cavities. But, how are we supposed to clean the tongue? Here are a few good tips:

 

1.     Get a tongue-cleaning device. These tongue-cleaning devices usually have a handle similar to a toothbrush but the tip is a triangle or oval shape with a large hole in the center, similar to an enlarged, widened eye-hole of a needle. You can find these devices at grocery stores and online, or you can get one through the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS. Some toothbrushes have a textured back designed for scrubbing of the tongue, but this doesn’t work as well as getting a separate tongue scraper.  

2.     Scraping the tongue. In the morning before eating or drinking anything, take the tongue-cleaning device and place it on the surface of the tongue towards the back. Then firmly but gently press the tip of the device and then “drag” the tip from the back of the tongue to the front. The residue you’ve cleaned off of your tongue will build up on the device, so you will need to rinse it off after each scraping. Repeat this process multiple times until the entire tongue has been scraped with the device.   

3.     Rinse. After the tongue scraping is completed and you have cleaned off your tongue-cleaning tool, rinse your mouth thoroughly with mouthwash. This will wash away any of the build-up that still remains in the mouth, and will also clean away bacteria in the rest of the mouth.

4.     Repeat! The most important part of cleaning your tongue is to continue to clean it and make it part of your every day routine.

5.     Cleaning Your Tongue Scraper. Once every two weeks, soak your tongue-cleaning device in denture cleaner or a hydrogen peroxide-water solution to ensure that it remains sanitary.

 

For more information about the tongue cleaning process or how it affects your overall oral health, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Oral health, Tongue Cleaning, Teeth Cleaning, Tongue, Oral Bacteria, Dental Plaque, Tongue Scrapers

Oral Health and Heart Health: Connection?

Oral Health and Heart Health: Connection?

It is widely known that oral health is important, but perhaps the measure of just how important is more of a gray area. Many people are not aware that taking care of your mouth also contributes to taking care of your heart. Oral health problems such as gingivitis and plaque build-up lead to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Visiting Mina Levi DDS Dentist San Francisco is not only important for your mouth, but also good for your heart. Below we discuss some of the linkages between oral health and heart health, and how we can improve both.

The Human Heart

1.     Periodontitis. Some people have a disease called periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, which is an infection around the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. People with this disease are unknowingly releasing bacteria into their bloodstream while brushing or chewing food. This bacteria clings to blood vessels, increasing clot formation and plaque in arteries which leads to an increase in blood pressure and risk of heart attack and stroke.

Oral Toxins

2.     Toxins. When plaque and oral bacteria sit in the mouth, they can release toxins that are very similar to healthy proteins that are found in arteries and blood vessels. When the body’s immune system goes to respond, they may attack healthy proteins as well and cause harm to the body.

Inflammation of the Gums

3.     Inflammation. Gingivitis, an early stage of periodontitis, is an inflammation of the gums caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth. Inflammation of the gums causes an inflammation response elsewhere in the body such as in arteries and blood vessels. This inflammation decreases blood flow and increases risk for heart attack and stroke.

So, what can we do about it? The most important action to take in improving your oral health is to visit the Dentist San Francisco at least twice a year. The Dentist San Francisco can help identify gum disease and also help improve the situation for optimal health. Another important action is to know the warning signs of gum disease:

1.     Gums which are red in color, and/or tender and swollen.

2.     Gums bleeding when brushed or touched.

Gum Recession

3.     Gums seeming to be “pulling away” from the teeth, or large periodontal pockets.

    4.     Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth even with normal brushing habits.

    5.     Teeth seeming to be separating from each other or feel loose in the gums.

 

If you notice any of these signs, visit the Dentist San Francisco to diagnose gum disease and periodontitis and begin treatment for a healthier mouth and a healthier heart. To learn more about your oral health and how it affects your heart, give us a call at (415) 513-5066 or visit us on the web at www.minalevidds.com.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, gum disease, periodontitis, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, oral bacteria, dental plaque