Oct 02 2023

Dental Health For You And Your Baby During Pregnancy

ARE YOU PREGNANT OR THINKING ABOUT becoming pregnant? Do you know someone else who is? While you’re picking out tiny clothes and reading childcare books, remember the importance of your oral health!

When you’re expecting a baby you go through so many physical changes. You crave different things. Your hair feels different. In fact, just about everything feels different. And, your mouth is different, too. Not sure why it’s important to know that? Don’t worry… at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, we’re here to help.

Increased Gum Disease Risk

Pregnancy brings heightened hormone activity which can lead to increased gum disease risk and gum sensitivity. Just remember that being pregnant doesn’t cause gum disease—plaque does. Keep up your great oral care habits.

Are You Experiencing…?

Beginning around your second month, and often continuing through your eighth month you may be experiencing:

Bleeding gums
A potential increase in cavities
Granulomas (small, tumor-like growths inside your mouth)

Here Are A Few Simple Recommendations:

Brush and floss regularly.
Keep your regular checkup appointment during your pregnancy and let us know that you’re pregnant.
Lay low on the sweets.

Routine Checkups During Pregnancy

An ideal time for your check-up appointment is during your second trimester when you are stable, but not far enough along to risk stress-induced issues. In the old days, women were anxious about dental checkups while expecting a baby. Typically there’s never an issue. Just be sure to let us know you’re expecting.

Morning Sickness

DON’T brush your teeth right after being sick. Stomach acid makes your teeth softer and brushing can wear them down. Rinse out your mouth, and then wait a while before brushing.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you have questions, please ask! You can send us a direct message on our Facebook page!

We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

Oct 02 2023

Endocarditis: Protect Against Dental Infection Spread To Your Heart

What is endocarditis?

Endocarditis is a rare, potentially fatal condition affecting the heart lining and its valves and started by bacterial infection. It is much more frequently found in people who have certain heart conditions and in previous endocarditis cases. If you are at high risk for endocarditis, your doctor may recommend antibiotics be taken before dental procedures.

Who should take preventive antibiotics?

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends antibiotics prior to certain dental procedures for people with heart conditions associated with the highest risk of developing endocarditis. The AHA recommends that patients receive antibiotics prior to dental treatment only if they have:

had bacterial endocarditis before
a prosthetic (artificial) cardiac valve
prosthetic material used in valve repair
cardiac valve disease and have had a cardiac transplant
congenital (present at birth) heart disease. This includes only people having the following conditions:
- unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease (including those with devices that relieve symptoms only)
- completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device during the first six months after the procedure
- repaired congenital heart disease with defects that remain at or near the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device

With these recommendations in mind, you and your doctor can decide whether or not preventive antibiotic dosing is preferred for your condition.

How are preventive antibiotics taken?

Patients who require preventive treatment take a single dose of an antibiotic, usually by mouth about one hour before certain dental treatments.

For which dental procedures are the antibiotics taken?

For patients at highest risk for endocarditis, the AHA guidelines suggest preventive antibiotic treatment for only the following:

Dental procedures that involve manipulation of gum tissue (around bone and teeth) or the tip of the tooth root
Dental procedures in which the inside lining of the mouth is penetrated

The guidelines do not recommend that high-risk individuals take preventive antibiotics for the following dental procedures or events:

Routine anesthetic injections through noninfected tissue
Dental X-rays
Placement of removable dental prostheses or orthodontic appliances
Adjustment of orthodontic appliances
Placement of orthodontic brackets
Shedding of baby teeth
Bleeding from trauma to the lips or inside of the mouth

If you have concerns about whether or not preventive antibiotics are needed for your condition, talk to your doctor.

What can I do to lower my risk for infections?

To reduce your risk for infection, it’s important that your dental team knows about your current health status. Be sure to tell us if your health has changed since your last visit, including if you have been diagnosed with a heart condition. You should let us know if you’ve had heart or vascular surgery, or any other surgery or medical procedure, within the past six months.

In your dental record, make sure we have a complete list of the names and dosages of all of your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, including vitamins and herbal remedies. It’s important that we have all of the names and phone numbers of your current physicians, in case we need to consult with them. Finally, it’s especially important to practice regular good home care of your teeth. Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time, and floss every day. Visit our office at least every six months for regular exams and cleanings.

If you have questions about preventive antibiotic treatment, you should talk to your doctor and Dr. Cardon at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. Learn more at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/TheImpactofCongenitalHeartDefects/Infective-Endocarditis_UCM_307108_Article.jsp#.Vwc4l8fntPY and http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/HeartValveProblemsandDisease/Heart-Valves-and-Infective-Endocarditis_UCM_450448_Article.jsp#.Vwc4_MfntPY

Oct 02 2023

Enamel Erosion From Acid Reflux Disease Damages Your Smile

LOOKING INSIDE SOMEONE’S MOUTH, members of my Jefferson City dental team can learn a lot! We can get clues about your diet, how sound you sleep, and perhaps whether or not you struggle with acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Disease Is Very Common Today
Acid reflux disease is quite common in adults over the age of 20. This is a condition where stomach acid leaks up into the esophagus creating heartburn or regurgitation. Often, the symptoms are not severe so it can go unnoticed or ignored.

Most People Don’t Realize The Potential Effects On Teeth
If you suffer from acid reflux it’s possible that there’s more damage going on than you realize. Frequent and/or severe reflux can cause those powerful acids to reach your mouth—and your teeth, which can lead to enamel erosion. Although the following symptoms can be caused by a number of conditions, acid reflux is certainly one of them. Are you experiencing…

sensitivity to certain foods?
unexplained pain or irritation in your mouth?
noticeable thinning or shortening of teeth?
darkening of your teeth?

5 Things You Can Do To Help Protect Your Smile
If you struggle with acid reflux, here are five things you can do to protect your smile from enamel erosion:

1. Treat your acid reflux disease!
Take this condition seriously. If you’re not yet being treated, see your doctor for recommendations and/or medications that help keep your acid reflux under control.

2. Make simple dietary changes.
Limit acidic foods and drinks like sodas, citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, milk, caffeine, chocolate, spicy & fried foods, fatty meats or anything acidic in nature.

3. Rinse your mouth with water after reflux episodes.
Don’t let the acids sit on your teeth. Rinsing will wash away acids and help prevent further damage.

4. Wait an hour after reflux episodes to brush your teeth.
Exposure to acid can temporarily weaken enamel. Brushing immediately after reflux episodes can be harsh on your teeth and may hurt your enamel more.

5. Keep your mouth moist and fresh.
Chew sugarless gums, lozenges, or candies. If you use antacids, look for sugar-free ones and rinse after consuming.

On The Lighter Side…
Life’s too short, right? Sometimes we have to lighten things up—even when talking about serious subjects!

Talk With Us About Your Acid Reflux
At Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, we understand how frustrating it can be to live with chronic acid reflux disease. Give us a call if you have concerns. We always enjoy and appreciate visiting with you about your oral health and whole-body health.

As always… Thanks for being our valued patient and friend.

Oct 02 2023

4 Ways To Avoid Having A Cracked Tooth

THE HEALTHY ENAMEL THAT COVERS YOUR TEETH is the hardest substance in your body… It’s even harder than your bones! That’s great news when you consider the amount of pressure our jaw muscles exert on our teeth.

However, your teeth can still be cracked and chipped. Here are four “don’ts” for avoiding a cracked tooth.

#1: Don’t Chew On Ice
High powered blenders have special blades and settings for crushing ice. So imagine what chewing on ice can do to your teeth! Some people do it out of habit—and others do it when they’re nervous or bored. Just stop! It can chip or crack teeth.

#2: Don’t Chew Hard Sweets
Hard candy isn’t good for your oral health anyway. Besides the high sugar content, and the long periods of time the sugar sits on your teeth, hard candy can also crack your teeth. Jawbreakers, suckers, and frozen candy bars are common culprits. If you enjoy these occasionally, consider licking them instead to avoid damage.

#3: Don’t Bite Down On Unpopped Popcorn Kernels
We know that they’re difficult to avoid! When you’re enthralled in a movie, the last thing on your mind is the popcorn you’re enjoying. Just try to be aware of those pesky unpopped kernels!

#4: Don’t Use Teeth As Tools
They’re not bottle openers. They’re not scissors. They’re not pliers. You get the idea.

Thanks for the trust you place in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

Oct 02 2023

Sedation Brings Relief From Dental Anxiety In Jefferson City Dentist Office

Jefferson City dental patients have the same feelings towards dental procedures as people I’ve worked with all over the world—even the mere suggestion of them can be enough to trigger anxiety. Our team at Stadium Dental Center understands how you feel and we have effective ways to help relieve your dental anxieties. What triggers them and how can you overcome them? Here are some tips on the subject.

Why do people experience dental anxiety?
Your individual feelings towards dentistry may include one or more of these triggers of dental anxiety:

Fears of a loss of control or helplessness
Concerns with pain during and after dental procedures
Embarrassment about your dental condition
The memory of unpleasant prior dental experiences, either your own or those of your family or friends
Fear of needles, drills, unwelcome tastes/smells and gagging
Costly and/or extensive treatment

Don’t let these fears keep you from getting the care you need to keep your smile healthy. With a little help, you too can overcome these fears like many of our Stadium Dental Center clients have.

How can Stadium Dental Center help?

Our highly trained team can help you understand what to expect during your visit. There’s no need to fear the unknown—we’ll keep you informed to help ease your anxiety. We’re committed to answering your questions and giving you the info you need to understand you proposed treatment.

What can I do to relax?

Prior to your visit, try not to load up on caffeine and sugar, since they’ll make it harder for you to relax. While you’re in our patient lounge, some constructive distraction can help: browse through magazines, listen to soothing music, or watch television. Before treatment, share your concerns with one of our team members.

During your treatment, focus on deep, slow breathing—don’t hold your breath or hyperventilate. Rapid or shallow breathing contributes to anxieties and anesthetic effectiveness. Schedule your appointments when you feel well rested. We’ll follow up with you by phone or text later in the day of your visit to see how well you’re feeling and to answer questions about your treatment after you get home.

What if my self-relaxation attempts don’t work?

When discussing your treatment plan, you can ask us about sedation options. We offer three sedation methods. Nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation (‘laughing gas’) provides a measure of relief for mild to moderate anxieties. Sedative medications can also be given by mouth or by intravenous routes using a superficial vein. The effect of sedation is to make you feel more relaxed and somewhat sleepy. We’re trained in the safe administration of sedation, and combined with profound local anesthesia, dental procedures can be accomplished very comfortably. Prior to the sedation visit a thorough assessment of relevant medical factors is done to ensure there will be no serious risks for you. If you have anxiety before, during, or after your dental visits, please talk with us about it!

What is endocarditis?

Who should take preventive antibiotics?

How are preventive antibiotics taken?

For which dental procedures are the antibiotics taken?

What can I do to lower my risk for infections?

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