Your body goes through several changes during pregnancy. Something as minor as teeth cleaning can also seem like a task during this time. As an expecting parent, you may have many questions. Here is some excellent insight about oral care during pregnancy
Can oral health affect pregnancy?
Hormonal changes and medications during pregnancy can make you more susceptible to developing oral health issues. Vomiting often due to morning sickness also exposes your teeth to acid contact. This is why maintaining a good oral care routine is crucial during pregnancy. Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning in the initial phase of the pregnancy will help avoid complications at a later stage.
Some ailments that can be critical to your teeth during pregnancy are Pregnancy gingivitis, pyogenic granuloma, or oral tumors. The imbalance of hormones makes your gums highly vulnerable to bleeding, inflammation, and plaque deposits. It also causes a tumor-like growth in the oral cavity of many pregnant women.
Consult your family dentist as soon as you notice any such teeth issues. If treated in the early stages, gum diseases can be managed effectively with dental cleaning and improvement in oral hygiene.
Visiting the dentist during pregnancy
Inform your family dentist as soon as you know about your pregnancy. They will be able to guide you on precautionary requirements you may need to take based on your dental history or family genetic patterns.
The second trimester is considered to be the safest time to get a thorough dental check-up. Having said that, in most cases, common treatments like dental cleaning can continue during the complete pregnancy tenure. However, it is best to consult your gynecologist before scheduling a visit with your family dentist after your third trimester.
Oral surgery and long-duration dental treatments should be avoided from the middle of the third trimester as the surgery could affect the growth and development of the baby. Dental x-rays are considered to be safe for the unborn child as the amount of radiation in such cases is very low.
At-home oral hygiene
Here are a few fantastic tips that will help you maintain optimal levels of oral hygiene at home:
Brush two times a day and include an oral rinse in your care routine. You can use salt water or baking soda for the mouth rinse, especially after a bout of morning sickness. Take one tsp baking soda in one cup of water and mix it well. Use this to rinse out your mouth.
Floss daily. Keep yourself hydrated.
Limit sugary food intake. Adapt food items that are rich in calcium, such as milk, curd, and cheese, into your diet. Increase the intake of garbanzo beans, almonds, and broccoli. With any new additions to the diet, be sure to always check with your physician.
Visit the dentist every four months. Schedule thorough teeth cleaning in the second trimester, as it may be difficult for you to lie down on the dentist’s chair for a long duration as your pregnancy progresses.
Taking good care of yourself is a must during pregnancy, and oral health plays a significant role in this. Your body goes through several hormonal changes during the gestation period. Be vigilant, and take pre-emptive measures regarding your dental hygiene to have a hassle-free pregnancy!
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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