Pink in the Sink

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?

One of the reasons some people are hesitant to floss their teeth is because they dislike it when their gums bleed, and their gums seem more prone to bleeding when they floss.

Don’t Ignore Your Bleeding Gums

Whether your toothbrush is pink after brushing or you bleed when flossing, be sure to mention it to your dentist. Bleeding gums is one of the first signs of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums due to a buildup of plaque. Gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease. Fortunately, if gingivitis is caught and treated early enough, you might be able to reverse it, so be sure to talk to your dentist about any bleeding you may see.

But Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Your gums may be prone to bleeding due to inflammation (in the case of gingivitis) or during pregnancy, due to fluctuations in hormones.

Other causes of bleeding gums include:

•    Any bleeding disorder
•    Brushing too hard
•    Hormonal changes during pregnancy
•    Ill-fitting dentures
•    Improper flossing
•    Infection, which can be either tooth- or gum-related
•    Leukemia
•    Scurvy
•    Use of blood thinners
•    Vitamin K deficiency

If Brushing and Flossing My Teeth Makes My Gums Bleed, How Do I Make Them Stop?

While it may seem counterintuitive, twice daily brushing and flossing are exactly what you need to keep your gums from bleeding, if the bleeding is caused by a buildup of plaque. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and proper flossing technique will also go a long way stopping that pink in the sink.

Study Finds Treating Pregnant Mamas With Periodontal Reduces Preterm Births

One of the leading culprits of premature birth is periodontal disease in the mother, according to research. It is believed that the infection related to periodontal disease can spark labor and uterine contractions, causing the fetal membranes to rupture before the pregnancy is full-term (longer than 35 weeks).

Knowing this, it is wise for women to visit their dentists prior to becoming pregnant, when possible.

Nature being what it is, however, doesn’t always make a quick trip to the dentist before becoming pregnant always possible, though.

A recent study led by a periodontal researcher from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine has found that treating periodontal disease in women before the end of their first trimester can help prevent premature delivery.

The study included 322 pregnant women with gum disease. Half of the women were given oral-hygiene instruction and home-care supplies. The other half of the group was treated with scaling and root planing, which consists of cleaning above and below the gum line.

The women who received actual treatment for their periodontal disease – and not just instructions – were six times more likely to carry their babies to full term, according to the study, which was published in the September edition of the British Journal of Gynaecology.

The bottom line? Newly pregnant women should schedule an appointment with their dentists to be sure that if they have periodontal disease, it can be safely treated before the end of the first trimester.

Smile, Baby!

Mama’s Healthy Smile Keeps Baby Healthy

It’s a well-known fact that good oral care is important during pregnancy, but what about after baby’s born? How does mommy’s smile affect baby’s smile?

According to dental researchers, there is a direct connection between the bacteria in a mother’s mouth and the bacteria in a baby or small child’s mouth. This especially holds true for the harmful bacteria known to cause tooth decay.

Streptococcus mutans is a bacteria commonly found in human mouths. S. mutans produces lactic acid which erodes tooth enamel allowing for increased tooth decay.

S. mutans can be transmitted from a mother or another caregiver to an infant or child via saliva. For instance, by allowing infants or children to put their fingers in the parent’s mouth and then into their own mouths, testing the temperature of a bottle with the mouth, sharing forks and spoons, sharing food and “cleaning” a pacifier or a bottle nipple that has fallen by sucking on it before giving it back to the infant or child.

Even if an infant or child is already infected with S. mutans, transmission can increase the concentration of bacteria in the infant’s or child’s mouth, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay or resulting in more severe decay.

Parents and caregivers can take extra precaution against the possibility of sharing oral bacteria and can add their childrens’ oral care to their long list of reasons to remember to schedule a trip to the dentist!

Oh, Baby!

Why You Need To See Your Dentist Before You Get Pregnant

There’s much to consider before getting pregnant – the cost of raising a child, child-care arrangements … and also whether your oral health is good.

Not All Oral Care Issues Are Problematic During Pregnancy

The common myth is that women’s teeth lose calcium during pregnancy. According to the American Dental Association, this is nothing more than a myth. Your baby gets its calcium from your diet, not your bones or teeth.

Many pregnant women experience “pink toothbrush” – where a small amount of blood ends up on the toothbrush or in the sink – during pregnancy. Generally, this is due to the increased blood flow to the mouth during pregnancy.

One Oral Health Issue That Should Concern Pregnant Women

The main oral-health concern for pregnant women is periodontal disease.  The presence of periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bones in the mouth, can lead to premature birth. According to a five-year study conducted by the University of North Carolina, pregnant women with moderate to severe periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to deliver a premature baby with a low birth weight.

The exact link is not understood, but the research suggest that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and inflammation of the gums enters the bloodstream and affects the health of the fetus.

What Can Pregnant Women Do To Improve Oral Health?

First and foremost, pregnant women, or those planning to become pregnant, should see their dentist to rule out the possibility of periodontal disease.
Secondly, at-home oral care can go a long way toward keeping pregnant womens’ mouths healthy. Thorough brushing and flossing daily can significantly reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Another way to easily support gum and tooth health is by using oral care probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help keep harmful bacteria in check by competing with them for space and nutrients in the mouth.

It’s a simple case of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” when it comes to reducing the risk of periodontal disease causing premature labor in women. With regular visits to the dentist and good at-home oral care, women take a big step toward full-term labor.

To learn more about better oral health care yourself and your baby during pregnancy, be sure to Follow Linda on Twitter and join our facebook page Evora Plus.

Baby on Board?

Why You Should See a Dentist When You’re Pregnant

Of course you should see a dentist when you are pregnant! You should get your teeth cleaned every six months, right? Absolutely, but when it comes to pregnancy, it can be hard to keep up with all those appointments – baby checks, ultrasounds, blood work – it sure feels like something has to give! Don’t let dental appointments be the thing that gives. Let me tell you why.

Better Safe Than Sorry

There are several dental health issues to be aware of during pregnancy, not the least of which is periodontal disease, according to the American Dental Association. Expecting women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely than those with healthy gums to have a baby that is born too early and too small. More research is required to pinpoint the exact link, but it is thought that harmful bacteria permeate the enflamed gum tissue more easily than they do healthy gum tissue.

During pregnancy, hormones impact gum health, making gum inflammation (gingivitis) more common. This can result in minor bleeding during daily tooth brushing and flossing. This is a common condition, but not one to take lightly. Your dentist may want to see you more often during your pregnancy to be sure that your gum health doesn’t deteriorate.

A Safe Way to Improve Gum Health

Pregnant women are used to long lists of things to avoid during pregnancy. They might be glad to know that EvoraPlus probiotic mints that can help improve gum and tooth health are even safe for pregnant women! By reestablishing a balance of healthy bacteria in the mouth, probiotic mints are a 100% natural way to safely and effectively protect tooth and gum surfaces for optimal oral health.

As an added benefit, probiotics can safely and effectively eliminate bad breath while gently and naturally whitening teeth for a healthier, brighter smile.