Pregnancy and Dental Care

A recent article from The Huffington Post reported that certain groups of pregnant women in the U.S. are not receiving appropriate dental care. This is alarming to say the least, since dental care is especially important during pregnancy. Furthermore, since we generally tend to presume that the United States has one of the best dental care establishments in the world, it's confusing as to why this particular demographic isn't getting the care they need.

According to the study, which pulled data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, more pregnant women over age 35 (86 percent) said their teeth were in good condition, compared to just 57 percent of pregnant women younger than 24. Researchers also found that young pregnant women were less likely than their peers who were not pregnant to report going to the dentist over the past year.

How Tobacco Use Affects Your Dental Health

Most people agree that smoking and tobacco use is hazardous to your health, as well as the health of those around you. However, many people are unaware of the possible dental-related consequences of tobacco use.

Did you know that smoking and chewing tobacco can contribute to oral cancer, gum disease and slowed healing after dental procedures? Not only that, but the use of tobacco products can also stain your teeth, cause bad breath and may dull your sense of taste and smell.

The harmful additives in cigarettes and other tobacco products can contribute to a number of health-related issues while the nicotine in the tobacco itself can cause the user to become addicted. This vicious cycle leads many people to suffer health problems while dealing with financial burdens such as paying more for insurance or having to pay for dental procedures to correct tobacco-related issues.

Contrary to what some people believe, smokeless tobacco options are not "safe alternatives" to cigarettes, pipes or cigars. In fact, chewing tobacco contains higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes, making it an even harder habit to break. And, according to WebMD.com, one can of snuff delivers more nicotine than over 60 cigarettes! These smokeless "alternatives" can cause just as much damage, if not more, than pipes, cigars or cigarettes. From oral cancer to gum recession to alveolar bone loss, tobacco products (smokeless or otherwise) can cause serious dental problems.

Tobacco use can be a powerful addiction; however, with so many health risks, it's no surprise your dentist will encourage you to quit. If you feel like you need help kicking the habit, there are a number of free resources that can be found on the web. One of which is SmokeFree.gov, a site where you can get free information, contact an expert or chat online with a counselor.

For more resources on dental health and treatments offered at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC, please visit www.TheRaleighDentists.com or call us at 919-782-0548.

Does Bottled Water Contain Fluoride?

For many people, bottled water is a staple of their daily diet. While bottled water is favored by many due to its lack of impurities and fresh taste, it may lack fluoride - an important mineral for your teeth.

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the Earth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), drinking water with fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. In fact, in the 1930s, researchers discovered that people who grew up drinking naturally fluoridated water had up to two-thirds fewer cavities than people living in areas without fluoridated water.

While brushing with a fluoride toothpaste or rinsing with a fluoride mouth wash can help, water can be an even greater source. Unfortunately, if you drink bottled water or use a home water filter, you could be missing out on the health benefits of this mineral.

While some people prefer bottled water simply for the taste, others drink bottled water because they live in an area where tap water may be contaminated or unsafe to consume. Either way, if you choose to drink bottled water, you should try to find the kind that contains fluoride. If you're not sure, check the label. If you have or are thinking of installing a home water filter, check out the ADA site for a list of water filters that do not remove fluoride from tap water.

Dr.Melcher with Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC provides dental resources in this blog and on his website (see: Dental Treatments, Raleigh NC for information and videos about dental treatments).  Contact Dr.Melcher to schedule an appointment for your next cleaning or dental treatment in Raleigh: 919-782-0548.