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Posts for: February, 2021

It's Time to Show Your Gums Some Love

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
February 20, 2021
Category: Oral Health
Tags: gum disease  
ItsTimetoShowYourGumsSomeLove

February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, and we heartily agree that gums deserve their own month of special recognition. After all, they play an essential role keeping teeth securely in place, and their network of tiny blood vessels supplies important nutrients and disease-fighting agents that teeth depend on. Yet gum disease affects nearly 50% of people over age 30 and 70% of those aged 65 and older, making it the most common chronic inflammatory disease among adults.

Gum disease starts with the thin buildup of bacteria and food particles called plaque. When plaque spreads below the gum line, the gums can become inflamed, resulting in a mild stage of gum disease called gingivitis, which often goes undetected. If not treated, it can progress to a more serious form called periodontitis, which can break down the gums and underlying bone, causing teeth to become loose or even fall out. In fact, periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults—and its effects can range beyond the mouth. Periodontitis is linked to many other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory ailments and Alzheimer's disease, among others.

The good news is that gum disease is usually preventable through good oral hygiene and, when caught in its early stages, reversible. To take the best care of your gums, follow these tips:

  • Look out for signs of gum disease. Some signs include red, puffy or tender gums, gums that bleed when you brush and floss, gums that recede or separate from the teeth, teeth that are loose or shifting, and persistent bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth.
  • Make good dental hygiene a daily habit. To keep dental plaque at bay, brush your teeth morning and night with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day.
  • Keep up with regular dental visits. It is especially important to come in at least twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings if you have gum disease or another systemic health condition like diabetes.
  • Quit tobacco. Smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco are major risk factors for gum disease and certain cancers. When it comes to quitting, you may think “easier said than done.” While we realize it's hard to quit, we also know it's doable and the rewards are priceless.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Scientific studies have found that a diet low in refined carbohydrates and rich in whole grains, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber can help control gum disease by reducing inflammation in the body.

Being aware of early gum disease symptoms and taking steps to maintain good oral health can lead to better gum health as well as better overall health.

If you would like more information about gum disease prevention and treatment, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine article “How Gum Disease Gets Started.”


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Don't Avoid Dental Care While You're Pregnant

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
February 10, 2021
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral health   pregnancy  
DontAvoidDentalCareWhileYourePregnant

Learning you're pregnant can change your life in a heartbeat—or now two. Suddenly, what was important to you just seconds before the news takes a back seat to the reality of a new life growing within you.

But although many of your priorities will change, there's one in particular that shouldn't—taking care of your dental health. In fact, because of the hormonal changes that will begin to occur in your body, your risk of dental disease may increase during pregnancy.

Because of these hormonal variations, you may find you have increased cravings for certain foods. If that includes eating more carbohydrates (especially sugar), bacteria can begin to multiply in your mouth and make you more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

The hormones in themselves can also increase your risk of gum disease in particular. There's even a name for a very common form of gum infection—pregnancy gingivitis—which affects around two-fifths of pregnant women. If not treated, it could aggressively spread deeper within the gums and endanger both your teeth and supporting jaw bone.

The key to minimizing both tooth decay and gum disease is to keep your mouth clean of dental plaque, a thin bacterial biofilm most responsible for these diseases. You can do this by keeping up daily brushing and flossing and maintaining regular dental cleanings and checkups. Professional dental care is especially important during pregnancy.

You may, though, have some reservations about some aspects of dental care, especially if they involve undergoing local anesthesia. But many medical organizations including the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association recommend dental treatment during pregnancy. Even procedures involving local anesthesia won't increase the risk of harm to you or your baby.

That said, though, elective dental work such as cosmetic enhancements, might be better postponed until after the baby is born. It's best to discuss with your dentist which treatments are essential and should be performed without delay, and which are not. In general, though, there's nothing to fear for you or your baby continuing your regular dental care—in fact, it's more important than ever.

If you would like more information on dental care during pregnancy, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Care During Pregnancy.”


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Archive:

  • 2021
      • March (1)
        • Pretty Little Liars' Lucy Hale Crushes on Smiles
      • February (2)
        • It's Time to Show Your Gums Some Love
        • Don't Avoid Dental Care While You're Pregnant
      • January (4)
        • This Laser Procedure Promises Big Benefits for Gum Disease Treatment
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
        • Topical Fluoride Could Boost Your Child's Avoidance of Tooth Decay
        • Smoking Could Increase the Risk of an Implant Failure
  • 2020
      • December (2)
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
        • Listen to Ellen DeGeneres: Don't Think You Can Get Away Without Flossing!
      • November (3)
        • Age Doesn't Have to Stop You From Straightening Your Smile
        • The Kind of Tooth Pain You Have May Identify the True Problem
        • Here's Why Smoking Can Be Hazardous to Your Dental Health
      • October (3)
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
        • Transform 'Smile Zone' Teeth With Composite Resins
        • 4 Ways Saliva Protects Your Mouth Against Disease
      • September (3)
        • Wisdom Teeth Bear Close Monitoring for Future Dental Health
        • Why Kathy Bates Chose This Alternative to Braces and so Might You
        • Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
      • August (4)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • 2 Kinds of Orthodontic Retainers That Can Protect Your New Smile
        • NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice
        • Practice Daily Hygiene to Avoid Gum Swelling While Wearing Braces
      • July (3)
        • Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
        • This Oral Appliance Could Help Solve Your Sleep Apnea Problem
        • Pop Star Demi Lovato Pops Out Jay Glazer's Tooth
      • June (3)
        • What Really Happens During a Root Canal Treatment
        • Here's the Scoop on Your Upcoming Root Canal
        • Sedation Can Help a Child Receive Needed Dental Care Now and in the Future
      • May (3)
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life
        • Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
      • April (3)
        • You May Need an Endodontist for a Tooth With Interior Decay
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
        • Facial Nerve Pain Can be Controlled
      • March (3)
        • Stay Ahead of Gum Disease Re-Infection with Periodontal Maintenance
        • Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
      • February (3)
        • The Case for Moving Just a Few Teeth Orthodontically
        • 4 Supposed Health Dangers in Dental Care That Aren't Dangerous
        • Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
      • January (3)
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
        • No Matter When the New Decade Begins, Be Sure You're Partnered With Us for Your Dental Care
        • You May Need Something Other Than Ointment to Clear up This Facial Rash
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • You can Get Relief from Facial Pain
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
      • November (3)
        • More Than Indigestion: How Acid Reflux Could Harm Your Teeth
        • Chronic Mouth Breathing Could Create Conditions for a Poor Bite
        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
      • October (3)
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
        • Celebrate World Smile Day With More Attractive Teeth
        • That Scalded Feeling Isn't in Your Head - It Could Be Burning Mouth Syndrome
      • September (3)
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • New Minimally Invasive Techniques are Improving Tooth Decay Treatment
        • The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
      • August (3)
        • You Need a Dentist to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
      • July (3)
        • Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
      • June (3)
        • Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
        • Getting a New 'Tooth in a Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
        • 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
      • May (3)
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
        • Keep an Eye on Your Family's Fluoride Intake
        • Your Teenager not Ready for an Implant? Here's What We Can Do Instead
      • April (3)
        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
        • Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
      • February (3)
        • Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics
        • You May Need Your Dentist's Help Easing the Pain of Severe Canker Sores
        • Not Jazzed About Wearing Braces? Consider Clear Aligners Instead
      • January (3)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Lingual Braces Offer a Less Visible Alternative to Traditional Braces
        • Dental Implants Better than Ever thanks to Ongoing Tech Advances
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Take Extra Dental Care Precautions While Undergoing Orthodontic Therapy
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Advanced Equipment and Safe Practices Ensure X-Ray Safety for Children
      • November (3)
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
      • October (4)
        • 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
        • Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • September (3)
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
        • 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • August (3)
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • Advances in Dental Health that may be Waiting for us Just around the Corner
      • July (3)
        • What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
      • June (3)
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • May (3)
        • Sealants Could Protect Your Child's Teeth From Future Problems
        • Not a Fan of Using CPAP for Your Sleep Apnea? Consider an Oral Appliance
        • Root Canal Awareness Week: A Time to Learn How Teeth Are Saved
      • April (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
      • March (2)
        • Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
      • February (2)
        • How Tara Lipinski Protects Her Teeth from the Daily Grind
        • 3 Things You May Not Know About Orthodontics
      • January (3)
        • You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
        • 3 Reasons Why Smoking Doesn't Mix with Dental Implants
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Stop White Spots Before They Appear While Wearing Braces
        • Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
      • November (2)
        • 4 Tips for Avoiding Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • October (3)
        • Help Your Kids Have a Healthier Halloween
        • Tackling Dental Plaque
        • Why Dental Care is Even More Important When You're Pregnant
      • September (2)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • An Orthodontic Retainer: Insurance Well Spent for Keeping Your New Smile
      • August (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • The 3 Top Causes for Tooth Sensitivity
      • July (3)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Your Dentist may have the Solution for Your Sleep Apnea
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
      • June (2)
        • Screw or Cement: Which is Best for Attaching Your Implant Crown?
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
      • May (2)
        • Consider Clear Aligners Instead of Braces for Your Teen
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • April (2)
        • Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • March (2)
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • February (2)
        • Don't Let Your Loose Tooth Become a Lost Tooth
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • January (3)
        • Get an Early Start Treating Root Resorption Before it's Too Late
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Chronic Jaw Pain Could be Related to Other Inflammatory Conditions
  • 2016
      • December (1)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • November (2)
        • Correct a Cross-Bite by Widening the Upper Jaw with an Expander
        • A Royal Fix
      • October (2)
        • Reduce Sugar Consumption - for a Healthier Mouth and Body
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • September (3)
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • 4 Things to Give Your Child a Head Start on Good Oral Health
      • August (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Do you need Simple Tooth Removal or Surgery? It Depends on a few Factors
      • July (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
      • June (2)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • A Child's Damaged Tooth may require a Different Approach than an Adult's
      • May (2)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
      • April (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
      • March (3)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • February (2)
        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • January (2)
        • Anchorage Devices Provide More Accuracy, Less Treatment Time for Braces
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
      • November (2)
        • Changes in Bone Structure can Affect Denture Fit
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
      • October (2)
        • Implant Placement in the 'Smile Zone' Requires Extra Attention
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • September (2)
        • Bitewing X-rays: Your Questions Answered
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
      • August (3)
        • Get Relief from Cracked Corners of the Mouth
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • 5 Tips to Keeping a Healthy Mouth During Your College Years
      • July (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Welcome to Our Blog

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(860) 886-2497

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