On February 9, the National Dentist’s Day is celebrated to commemorate the day of Saint Apollonia, patron saint of Dentistry and dental ailments. From Top Doctors we want to thank all the specialists in Dentistry and Stomatology for making us smile with their work. Below, our experts answer some of the questions most frequently asked by their patients.
How can I take care of my oral health during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a different time when a patient’s body is constantly changing. Because of nausea, experts recommend brushing your teeth at the time of day that feels best, even without using toothpaste. In addition, if the patient suffers from vomiting, it is advisable to rinse her mouth with water and a teaspoon of bicarbonate and brush her teeth 30 minutes later, since the acid that causes vomiting can favor caries and dental erosion. In addition, to reduce the risk of caries, it is advisable not to eat between meals and to avoid sweet or carbonated beverages.
What 3 tips would you give to maintain good dental hygiene?
There are many guidelines to follow to achieve good dental hygiene, but special emphasis should be placed on brushing your teeth after every meal for at least two minutes, using dental floss to remove food debris after brushing and visiting the dentist periodically.
Can orthodontics cause caries?
Orthodontics does not cause caries if proper daily dental hygiene is followed. Cavities are caused by a multifactorial process and are caused by bacteria that form dental plaque. During orthodontic treatment, the braces can retain food, which causes a degradation of the bacterial plaque. In addition, hygiene becomes more complicated as the brackets make it impossible to clean the area properly. However, special attention must be paid to oral health during orthodontic treatment, since failure to do so can have consequences in the form of oral diseases such as gingivitis, caries, demineralization of the enamel and even more serious situations of periodontitis that can affect the supporting bone.
What foods can stain tooth enamel?
There are foods that, due to their high pigmentation, can cause the dental enamel to become hardened. Some of these are: coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries, blackberries, cherries and vegetables such as beets, candy, soy sauce, tomato sauce, vinegar and carbonated beverages such as soft drinks, sodas, sugary and energy drinks, and tobacco.
A whitening treatment helps to restore the natural color of the enamel. Patients who undergo this treatment must be of legal age and have a healthy mouth, without cavities, gum disease or other oral conditions. It should also be taken into account that this treatment can cause dental hypersensitivity, albeit momentarily.
How to overcome fear of the dentist?
Fear of the dentist is a fear that is more common than one might think. Many people do not go to dental clinics because the thought of it creates anxiety. Avoiding dental treatment creates a vicious circle, as dental health deteriorates and teeth are lost. The causes of this fear are diverse, some patients may be afraid of needles, sounds, smells or even the unknown. However, nowadays dental clinics have more welcoming environments and the staff accompanies the patient at all times. In addition, the dentist will explain what the treatment consists of and the patient will be well informed, so there is greater peace of mind. If patients continue to feel nervous, substances such as nitrous oxide or sedatives can be used to help them relax during visits.