Breaking Down Flossing: A 3 Part Series #2

Breaking Down Flossing: a 3 Part Series #2 By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/30/2015 In the dental office of Mina Levi, DDS, we highly recommend brushing twice per day and flossing at least once per day. We recommend a variety of products, including Listerine’s woven or “Gum Care” floss and the Waterpik water flosser. It can be unclear to many people what exactly each type of flossing is and the pros and cons of all of them, so in this 3-series article,Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS breaks down three flossing options: traditional dental floss, the Waterpik water flosser, and the Phillip’s airfloss flosser. Week 2: Waterpik What is it? A Waterpik is a device that shoots pulses of water in between the teeth and below the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria. How do I use it? Fill container with warm water and place at the setting desired. Aim the tip of the waterpik between the teeth. Start with the back teeth and work your way forward, making sure the water pulses are reaching the pockets between the tooth and the gum as well as the spaces between the teeth. Pros: 1.  Gentle on the gums 2.  Ideal for people who wear braces because it can penetrate the gums under the wires 3.  Effective in flushing bacteria out of deep pockets 4.  Can be used by those with limited hand mobility Cons: 1. More expensive than floss 2. Can be messy 3. It has to be plugged in Next week we will profile the Phillips Air Floss. If you have questions about flossing or water flossing, visit San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. Topics: Dentist San Francisco, water flosser, waterpik, flossing, floss, dental floss, dental waterpik, water between the teeth, periodontitis, gingivitis, regular flossing, regular water flossing,gum disease, using water to floss, water, oral health, floss replacement, supplemental flossing, healthy gums, recommend waterpik, dental recommendations, brushing, toothbrushing

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

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