Dental Important Facts
Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease than those who do not have diabetes. To prevent problems with bacterial infections in the mouth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, medicated mouth rinses, and more frequent cleanings.
Take your child to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first baby tooth. Education is the heart of the age 1 exam. It is important to keep the baby teeth healthy as they are the foundation for permanent teeth.
Pregnant women may experience some changes in their oral health. The primary change is a surge in hormones, particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone, which is linked to an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth. They are also at risk of developing pregnancy tumors, inflammatory benign growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. Non- emergency procedures generally can be performed throughout pregnancy, but the best time for any dental treatment is during the fourth through the sixth month. Only x-rays that are needed for emergencies should be taken during pregnancy.
If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have a greater risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often as women, and 90 percent of oral cancers occur in those over 45 years of age.
If you participate in sports, you have a greater potential for oral and dental trauma to your teeth. It is important to use a mouthguard, if you play contact sports, such as soccer, football, basketball and even baseball.
Oral piercing can cause pain swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth, and tooth loss. To avoid serious infections, make sure to ask the person performing the piercing about care after the piercing, possible side effects, cleanliness. Make sure they completely sterilize all needles and instruments.
If your physician prescribes on oral bisphosphonate (like
Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, etc.) it is important to tell your dentist so that
your health history can be updated.
Because some dental procedures, such as extractions, may increase your
risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ), the American Dental
Association has published treatment guidelines for patients receiving this
therapy.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services / www.os.dhhs.gov
