For a patient with no serious ongoing dental needs, teeth cleanings are recommended once every six months.   During your regular visit, your dental hygienist will evaluate and identify signs of inflammation and disease and, discuss the findings with you and your dentist. Your Provo Family Dentist and dental hygienist will then work together to identify underlying issues that could compromise your oral health.

A plan for treatment will then be developed based on your dental needs. Keep in mind that every patient is unique with their own specific needs and risk factors for gum disease. As a result, more frequent cleaning and a more intense cleaning regimen may be established for at-home oral hygiene.

During a routine cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline. If plaque and tartar debris are allowed to build up and remain around and below the gumline, it may lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is more advanced than gum disease, or inflammation of the soft tissues.

Periodontal disease is caused by the overgrowth and accumulation of dental plaque, which causes disintegration of the bone around the teeth, forming pockets between your teeth and under your gums. These pockets become infected and will continue to deepen, causing the boney foundation to disintegrate and your teeth to become loose, putting you at risk for tooth loss. General dentistry and a routine of regular visits to Provo, UT Dental Care for cleanings can help prevent periodontitis through the removal of soft plaque and hard calculus (tartar) during a cleaning.

Additionally, a routine dental cleaning will also improve the appearance of your smile by reducing surface staining. Over time, the cumulative staining effect of certain beverages and foods can cause your teeth to become discolored. A regular visit to your hygienist will include polishing of your teeth which will help to reduce the staining.

It is normal for many women to experience an increase in dental problems during pregnancy. You've probably heard the old wives' tale, “A tooth lost for every child.” While it may seem far-fetched, it actually is based loosely in fact. Just as other tissues in your body are affected by the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, so are your teeth and gums. More importantly, you should be aware that the health of your gums may also affect the health of your unborn child.

How does pregnancy affect teeth and gums?

‘Pregnancy Gingivitis’ affects about half of all women who become pregnant. This condition can cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. A more serious condition, periodontal disease (a serious gum infection) may affect the health of your baby.

Is periodontal disease linked to preterm low birth-weight babies?

Studies have suggested that a possible relationship exists between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth weight babies. However, research in this area is inconclusive. Because pregnant women with periodontal disease have a potential to have a baby born too early and too small, maintaining periodontal health during pregnancy is a wise precaution.

What steps can be taken to avoid this condition?

Obviously, a lifelong routine of proper oral hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings at our Provo, UT Dentist Office is the best preventative for gum disease whether you are planning to become pregnant or not. Once you become pregnant be sure to advise our office, and make an appointment for a dental cleaning early in your pregnancy so that we can monitor you for any adverse changes. It is also wise to plan this early on as sitting in a dentist’s chair can become uncomfortable later in pregnancy.

Hormonal changes cause an increase in plague production which can lead to decay. If you are not already doing so, be sure that you are following a diligent at-home oral hygiene routine, brushing after meals, flossing twice a day and avoiding sweets (or at least brushing immediately after).