Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Pregnancy Dental Health – Oral Care for Expectant Mothers and New Mums in Glen Iris

Pregnancy and Dental Health: What Expectant Mothers Should Know

Pregnancy can influence your oral health, leading to issues such as gum disease, gingivitis, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Numerous studies have identified a connection between gum disease in pregnant women and an increased risk of premature births and low birth weight babies. Understanding these risks helps you maintain both your dental and general health throughout pregnancy.

Common pregnancy-related dental issues include:

  • Gum problems

  • Gingivitis (gum inflammation): typically occurs during the second trimester, causing gum swelling and bleeding during brushing or flossing.

  • Gum overgrowth (pregnancy epulis), which sometimes resolves after childbirth.

  • Vomiting or morning sickness.

  • Cravings for sugary foods.

  • Tooth mobility (often temporary until after birth).

  • Retching while brushing teeth.

During pregnancy, these symptoms occur primarily due to heightened hormonal responses to dental plaque. However, with good oral hygiene at home and professional dental care, oral health can be effectively maintained.

Pre-Pregnancy Dental Care: Prevention is Best

Practicing solid oral hygiene before conception reduces the likelihood of developing dental problems during pregnancy. Key preventive steps include:

  • Brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.

  • Flossing daily.

  • Eating a balanced, low-sugar diet.

  • Scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

Women planning pregnancy should visit the dentist for a full examination—elective procedures are best completed prior to conception for optimal safety and convenience.

Dental Treatments During Pregnancy

There’s a common misconception that dental treatments aren’t safe during pregnancy. In reality, routine dental care is both safe and recommended. Be sure to inform your Dr. Kaufman of your pregnancy so that any necessary precautions can be taken when scheduling your dental appointments. Learn more about routine dental treatment.

Vomiting and Reflux During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can cause gastric reflux or morning sickness, exposing teeth to strong stomach acids. Over time, this may erode enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Tips to protect your teeth include:

  • Avoid brushing immediately after vomiting—wait at least one hour.

  • Rinse your mouth with fluoridated tap water after vomiting.

  • Use a fluoridated mouthwash or dab a small amount of toothpaste on your teeth.

  • Consult your dentist for tailored prevention and acid-protection strategies.

Managing Retching While Brushing Teeth

Retching or gagging when brushing teeth is common in pregnancy. Strategies that may help include:

  • Using a toothbrush with a small head (such as a toddler brush).

  • Brushing slowly and calmly while breathing evenly.

  • Closing the eyes or focusing on breathing to reduce the reflex.

  • Listening to music as a distraction.

  • If needed, brush with water and follow with a fluoridated mouthwash until able to use toothpaste again.

Food Cravings and Oral Health

Many pregnant women experience cravings, especially for sweets, increasing the risk of tooth decay. To reduce damage caused by sugary snacks:

  • Choose fresh fruits instead of processed sweets.

  • Rinse with water or milk after eating sugary foods.

  • Brush soon after snacking to remove residual sugars.

Dental Health After Pregnancy

After giving birth, it’s important for new mothers to schedule a dental check-up, especially if gum swelling or bleeding occurred during pregnancy. Hormone-induced gum conditions often subside after childbirth, but in some cases, persistent gum disease requires professional treatment.

To maintain long-term oral health after pregnancy:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.

  • Floss or use interdental brushes daily.

  • Drink fluoridated tap water.

  • Limit high-sugar foods.

  • Book regular dental visits to monitor gum and tooth health.

 

Tips to Help You Floss Like a Dentist in Glen Iris

Flossing may not be your favorite thing to do, but it is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your teeth. Flossing clears away food and other debris that can get stuck between teeth. Without flossing, bacteria can build up and cause cavities and gum disease. While it may seem simple, there is actually a bit of technique to flossing like a pro.

How to floss:

When flossing, start with about 30 cm of floss. Wrap one index finger with enough floss so it does not slide when you pull, wrap the extra length around your other index finger and leave a few centimeters between them. Gently work the floss between each pair of teeth by sliding it up and down in a rubbing motion. When you reach the gum line, gently slide the floss into the space between the root and the gum line.

What floss to use:

Waxed floss is easier to use because it glides over your teeth better than un-waxed floss. On the other hand unwaxed floss is better since the fibers can trap more bacteria on their way. When you’re choosing a floss material, look for PTFE floss instead of nylon floss, because nylon versions can shred more easily.

When to floss?

Ideally brushing and flossing would happen after every meal. But if you can only floss once a day, we recommend doing it at bedtime. When you’re asleep, saliva production slows down and bacteria can easily multiply, so flossing before bed can decrease the bacteria growing at night.

How to floss on the go?

Floosing at idle times during the day is a good strategy to get the bacteria numbers down. Keep single-use, disposable “flossers” with you at all times. You’ll be thankful, especially if you have a piece of food stuck in your teeth that distracts you.

If you discover pain or bleeding in your gums when you floss, these are signs you need to see your dentist, since it could be a sign of gum disease. If you would like to schedule an appointment for an examination please call 98227006.

 

Scuba Diving and Dental Health: What Divers Need to Know in Glen Iris.

Forget sharks or the bends—a big concern for scuba divers could be dental problems and costly bills. A recent survey revealed that 41% of recreational divers experienced oral issues linked to diving. Most complaints involved pain caused by underwater pressure or holding the air regulator tightly in the mouth; some even reported loosened crowns or cracked fillings.

Why a Dental Check-Up Matters Before Diving

Surveys suggest that divers should always have their teeth checked before they go deep. Dental issues are much more noticeable underwater, where a fractured tooth or toothache can quickly become an emergency.

Underwater Toothache: Barodontalgia Explained

The professional term for underwater tooth pain is “barodontalgia,” which is well known in the diving community. Barodontalgia is caused by changes in pressure underwater that reveal underlying dental conditions like cavities or poorly completed fillings. High or low pressure makes tooth damage more obvious and painful.

Protecting Your Teeth Before and During Diving

Divers must meet a set medical standard for certification, but there are no dental health prerequisites. That’s why many divers get unpleasant surprises when tooth pain occurs underwater. To protect your teeth, visit the dentist before your dive to check for decay or damage. Be sure to mention your upcoming diving plans so the dentist can tailor advice to your needs.

Dr. Kaufman is a licensed diver and understands the health requirements for underwater activities. If you’re planning to dive or want more information about dental concerns, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a dive-specific dental examination.

Dry Mouth in Glen Iris – Does your mouth feel dry?

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, and even tooth loss. It occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist and comfortable.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is often caused by medicines but can also result from diet, lifestyle habits, ageing, medical treatments, or underlying diseases. Speaking with Dr. Daniel Kaufman can help identify the cause and manage the symptoms effectively.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

You may have dry mouth if you experience:

  • A dry or sticky feeling in the mouth

  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing dry foods

  • Dryness when eating meals

  • Thick, stringy saliva or reduced saliva flow

  • A constant need to sip water or chew gum

  • Bad breath or changes in taste

Even if you wear dentures, it is important to have an annual dental check-up. Regular oral examinations can detect early signs of decay or gum inflammation caused by reduced saliva flow.

The Effects of Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy mouth. It helps to:

  • Protect teeth and gums from bacteria and acid

  • Prevent tooth decay and tooth loss

  • Aid chewing, swallowing, digestion, and speech

  • Maintain a natural balance of bacteria in the mouth

Without enough saliva, you are at a higher risk of cavities, sore gums, oral infections, and discomfort with dentures.

Talking to Dr. Daniel Kaufman

Many medications can cause dry mouth, including:

  • Antidepressants and antihistamines

  • Blood pressure and pain medications

  • Cough and cold remedies

  • Inhaled medicines and some eye drops

Dr. Daniel Kaufman may ask your medical doctor to review your medicines, recommend alternatives, or suggest a Home Medicines Review.

How Dr. Daniel Kaufman Can Help

Dry mouth increases your risk of decay and gum disease, but we can help prevent these issues. During your dental visit, inform Dr. Daniel Kaufman about your symptoms and all medications you take. Dr. Daniel Kaufman can recommend specific fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and moisturising products designed for dry mouth relief.

Practical Tips to Relieve Dry Mouth

You can manage dry mouth with simple daily habits:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily

  • Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash

  • Reduce sugary, acidic, and caffeinated drinks

  • Sip plain tap water frequently and suck on ice chips when needed

  • Use a humidifier at night to keep air moist

  • Eat crunchy foods to stimulate saliva flow

  • Chew sugar-free gum or lollies between meals

  • Use a water-based lip moisturiser for dry lips

  • Avoid smoking and seek support from the Quitline or call 13 7848

Today there is no need to suffer from the consequences of a dry mouth. With all the various solutions available, Dr. Kaufman had the knowledge and experience to provide you with solutions. Please  ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease from a dry mouth.