As a father with three young daughters, I understand how hectic your schedule can be. That is why I know finding a dental office with a team who is great with kids and has flexible hours to accommodate your schedule are important. We also know how important it is for families to enjoy their dental visit and view it as a positive experience.
In this blog I will review the most frequently asked concerns parents have regarding their child’s dental health care and treatment during pregnancy.
We understand that a unique and individual approach is required to treat children (and most adults too!).
Our Doctors truly believe that overcoming the anxiety of visiting the dentist is closely tied to changing perceptions through positive experiences.
We all know that first impressions can last a lifetime. Whether your child has been seeing a dentist regularly or is coming to our office for their first visit our Doctors and team will ensure that every visit to our office is a special one.
We have a play area for the children in the reception room with a flat screen TV and Nintendo with child friendly games and DVD’s. Each of our treatment rooms is equipped with a TV and DVD player so your child can watch their favorite movie to help them feel more comfortable during their treatment.
Most importantly, our Doctors and team of professionals use specific terminology and techniques to ensure your child’s safety, help them enjoy their visit, ensure that they leave with a smile and are excited to return.
We change your perceptions through positive experiences.
Our Office
I have designed an office that understands the needs of Thornhill parents; an office that suits your hectic lifestyle and schedule. I know that finding a dental office with a team who is great with kids and has flexible hours to accommodate your schedule are important.
Our office has many features you will enjoy and appreciate:
- We are conveniently located next to What-A-Bagel & Shoppers Drug Mart at New Westminster & Bathurst.
- We offer appointments Saturdays and Sundays too!
- Evening appointments are available – You work late, so we do too!
- Digital x-rays exposing you and your family to less radiation.
- Digital Intra-Oral Camera – see what we see, with your teeth enlarged to 40 times!
- Child-friendly Play Area with Nintendo.
- We bill directly to most insurance companies for your convenience.
- Professional and friendly staff.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Dental Treatment
How a woman cares for her teeth during her pregnancy can affect her health and her developing baby. During the course of pregnancy, some women have a reduced ability to fight bacteria and, as a result, may have sore and bleeding gums, bad breath, cavities, and sensitive teeth. Once the baby is born, many problems are reversible, with the exception of decay and bone loss. If a woman does not have healthy teeth and gums before she becomes pregnant, these problems may worsen and remain after her baby is born.
Hormonal Changes
The hormonal changes of pregnancy that affect the mouth may have no consequence to your overall health, while others may be signs of potential pregnancy complications.
Uncomfortable growths on the gums may appear as deep red or purple and are commonly referred to as “Pregnancy Tumours” and are often caused by the hormone change reacting to a severe accumulation of bacteria (“Plaque and Tartar”). The pregnant patient may benefit from undergoing two periodontal treatments (“cleaning”) during her pregnancy to reduce the risk of growth formation. They generally disappear after delivery while some may require a minor surgical procedure to remove them.
Gums that bleed mildly during brushing and inflammation of the gums (“Gingivitis”) are normal effects of the hormone changes. However, a bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth (“Periodontitis”) is linked to premature births and low birth-weight babies because the bacteria are able to travel from the diseased mouth through the placenta affecting the unborn child.
Excessive nausea and vomiting caused by hormone changes during pregnancy can cause erosion of tooth enamel and consequently increased tooth sensitivity.
Treatment During Your Pregnancy
If a woman believes she is pregnant it is recommended that she consult with her dentist as soon as possible. It is recommended that pregnant patients come in for a periodontal treatment during their first trimester and at least one additional visit before the delivery date. If the pregnant patient has bleeding gums, sensitivity or decay, it is advisable that she seek treatment, which may include additional periodontal treatment and management of decay. While routine dental work can be done safely during pregnancy, the safest time is during the second and third trimesters. However, be aware that as you get into your third trimester you may not be able to lie down comfortably in a dental chair. Therefore, see your dentist early.
X-ray Radiographs During Pregnancy – Are They Safe?
Having radiographs taken during pregnancy is always a big concern for expecting mothers. In the past, they were right to be concerned; radiation dosage was high and not focused onto a small area.
The digital radiographs we use in our office have changed that. They are not only highly focused and expose a very small area of the body, but also greatly reduce the amount of radiation, making them safe for the mother and her developing baby.
Is Dental Treatment Safe If I Breastfeed My Child?
It is safe to have dental treatment if you are breastfeeding. Local anesthetics do not cross through into breast milk and therefore will not impact the baby. However, if you do require medications for pain relief, for example, please ensure that you have informed your dentist as some medications may impact the overall health of your child.
The Importance of Periodontal Treatment (“Cleaning”) During Pregnancy
It is common knowledge that when a woman becomes pregnant it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet to ensure the health of herself and her developing baby. It is also no surprise that maintaining optimal oral health is an integral component of a healthy lifestyle.
Many studies have concluded that expectant mothers’ periodontal health (i.e. the health of the gums and bone supporting teeth) is vital to the health of her baby.
Periodontal disease (also known as “gum disease”) is a chronic, bacteria-induced, inflammatory condition that attacks gum tissue and in more severe cases, the bone supporting teeth. If this disease is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss and has been associated with other systemic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, research has shown that women with periodontal disease may be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as giving birth to pre-term or low birth-weight babies.
The most common signs and symptoms include tenderness, redness, swollen and bleeding. These signs, especially during pregnancy, should not be ignored and should be treated at a dental office before infection spreads or worsens.
Pre-term (i.e. born at least three weeks before the due date) and low birth-weight babies (i.e. less than 5.5lbs) are at an increased risk of long-term health problems such as delayed motor skills, social growth, and learning disabilities. Additional health concerns include respiratory problems, vision and hearing loss, or feeding and digestive problems.
We always encourage our pregnant patients to achieve optimal oral health and recommend regular periodontal treatment / “cleaning” appointments during pregnancy.
At Westmount Dental the Doctors and Hygienists do not underestimate its value, and neither should you.
Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier-Sucking Habits
Both thumb-sucking and pacifier-sucking habits carry a significant risk of developing problems if the habits persist.
Thumb-sucking habit should be eliminated by age 4-5, while pacifiers should be avoided by age 2. By this time, minor changes in the positioning of the teeth may self-correct as your child grows.
Long-term problems may include:
- Cross-bite – the upper and lower teeth bite in reverse positions. This may lead to joint problems;
- Upper front teeth may be “pulled” forward giving the appearance of “buck teeth”;
- Lower front teeth may be “pushed” or tipped backwards; and
- Your child may develop a tendency to mouth-breathe, which can lead to swollen and inflamed oral tissues; and
- There may be a significant cost to correct these problems with orthodontic treatment.
How can parents eliminate the habit?
Thumb-sucking – Provide incentives or rewards. Designate specific times of the day for the habit, and slowly narrow the times of the day until the habit is stopped. At first, allow your child to self-soothe and fall asleep while sucking their thumb and after an hour remove their hand from their mouth.
Pacifier-sucking – Cut off a small piece from the tip, then every few days cut off a bit more until your child cannot hold it in his/her mouth.
Westmount Dental is located in the heart of Thornhill. In an effort to make dental care easy and convenient for all of our patients, we provide a complete range of specialized treatments, all under one roof. From pediatric dentistry to orthodontics, dental implants to dentures, whitening, bonding and veneers, root canal and preventive treatments, we minimize the need for outside referrals.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Buzaglo is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, receiving the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for outstanding academic achievement. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours. Dr. Buzaglo is an avid believer in ongoing continuing education and has completed many certified courses in all aspects of dentistry with particular focus in the fields of Cosmetic, Invisalign Orthodontics, and Implant Dentistry. He is a contributing writer and editor for the oral health programs at AdvancingIn.com and mdBriefCase.com, Canada’s foremost on-line continuing medical education websites for Medical Doctors in Canada. Dr. Buzaglo has a creative passion that is evident throughout your experience in his office, Westmount Dental. He has personally designed the layout and features of the office to provide an esthetic appeal to the flow of the working space. His creative ability is truly reflected in the dental treatment he provides to his patients.
Westmount Dental
8010 Bathurst Street
Unit C4
Thornhill ON
L4J 0B8
905.881.8284
