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Pregnancy is an amazing thing. However, there are some important things to keep in mind during this time. While pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth, pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women, potentially resulting in gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay. Your increased hormones during pregnancy can affect your body’s response to plaque (the layer of germs on your teeth). Luckily, with proper hygiene at home and professional care from your dentist, your teeth should remain healthy throughout pregnancy. Keep reading from some advice about pregnancy and oral health from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Dental Disease & Baby Health

Dental disease can affect a developing baby. Research has found a link between gum disease in pregnant women and premature birth with low birth weight. However, appropriate dental treatment for the expectant mother may reduce the risk of premature birth.

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Our teeth do a lot to help us on a daily basis (think of how much gum, food, etc. you chew on a daily basis!). All of that hard work means even our teeth deserve a little pampering every once in awhile. Fortunately, the dental aisle at your local store has plenty of affordable products for you to treat yourself with. Read on to see which products from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS can have your teeth living the life of luxury!

You can have a trip to the oral day spa with these products…

• At-Home Whitening – Our teeth come into contact with a lot of substances that will dull their pearly sparkle – just think of the morning cup of coffee or tea, any alcohol or smoking habit, etc. Whitening strips are an easy and affordable option that you can do at home to bring back those pearly whites!

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Fortunately, canker sores are not often a serious issue, but they sure can be annoying! These small ulcers can pop up in your mouth and on the inside of your lips and take days to heal. However, they are quite easy to prevent, especially once you understand what triggers them! See below for more advice from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS for how to prevent them.

Well, the unfortunate news is that braces can contribute to canker sores. This mainly happens in patients that are already prone to them. They may experience an increase in sores because your mouth is adjusting to a big change when beginning orthodontic treatment. Braces can irritate oral tissue, which leaves it vulnerable to little lesions such as canker sores.

Luckily, avoiding possible triggers and practicing good oral hygiene can help you to avoid or lessen the instances of these sores.

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Many people fear going to the dentist. However, it is important that you find ways to cope with this fear as seeing a dentist is an essential part of maintaining your oral health.It is estimated that nearly seventy five percent of adults in the United States experience some amount of fear with regards to visiting a dentist. About five to ten percent of those people have a strong enough fear to be considered sufferers of dentophobia. Keep reading for some advice about coping with dentophobia from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up – There is Nothing to Fear Here!

First, it is important to note that your dentist is not trying to be scary. They have no intentions to cause you any pain or discomfort. Their goal is to keep you and your teeth happy and healthy! Dentists also have to go through many years of schooling before they are allowed to practice dentistry. Thus, they are extremely qualified experts in their field. Additionally, your dentist doesn’t want your visit to be a traumatic or anxiety-inducing experience. If you simply communicate your feelings to them, they will do whatever they can to help make your visit better.

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Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth need to be well nourished and taken care of in order to keep your smile radiant. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to help prioritize the health of your mouth and teeth with minimal effort. Here are some tips for keeping the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS!

Brush and floss 

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and flossing daily in between teeth to keep plaque at bay. Flossing, while boring and annoying, is pertinent to teeth health. Did you know not flossing is linked to heart disease? YIKES!

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A very normal and common part of orthodontic treatment is the use of elastics, which are also known as rubber bands. These devices are crucial to helping teeth to move into the proper position. Wearing them as instructed is a crucial part of making sure your treatment is completed correctly and in a timely manner. The elastics are supposed to be worn approximately 20-22 hours a day and should only be removed to eat and then to brush and floss their teeth. Additionally, elastics should be changed out for new ones about three times a day. Keep reading for some advice from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS about why elastics are important.

Elastics allow for the jaw and bite alignment to occur. But they are also the patient’s responsibility, and if the patient does not choose to wear them as directed, it may prolong treatment or affect the final result. Before leaving the office, the patient needs to make sure they understand where and when to wear their rubber bands.

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