During pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause your gums to become more sensitive, swollen, and red. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis, or gum disease. Between the third and ninth months of pregnancy, you may experience “pregnancy gingivitis.” Pregnancy gingivitis occurs when your gums become swollen, red, or inflamed because of bacteria along your gum line. Your gums are more sensitive because your estrogen and progesterone levels have increased during pregnancy.

Due to morning sickness, your teeth may be exposed to stomach acid and become demineralized. As a result, your teeth are more susceptible to decay and erosion.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal (gum and bone) disease.

It is possible that poor dental health could affect your developing baby. According to research, there may be a link between periodontal disease and low birth weight or preterm birth. These babies are more likely to have developmental problems, asthma, and ear infections, and may even have a higher risk of infant death.

Our Waldorf Periodontist office recommends an appointment with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned and examined every 3 months during your pregnancy.

What can I do to keep my teeth and gums healthy?

Many factors can affect your teeth, including what you eat and drink, how often you eat and drink, how long food remains on your teeth, and the amount of plaque that remains. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria.

Keep your teeth and gums healthy by:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Keep plaque away from the gum line by cleaning carefully.
• Every night, floss your teeth before you go to bed.
• Drink water between meals and snacks. Reduce your intake of sweet beverages.
• When you brush your teeth after meals and snacks, if this is not possible, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash.
• Limit sweet foods and foods that stick to your teeth. Whenever you eat a sweet, try to eat it around a meal.

Researchers have shown that pregnant mothers who suffer from periodontal disease expose their unborn children to a variety of health risks, particularly if they also suffer from diabetes.

Periodontal disease generally begins with a bacterial infection in the gum (gingiva) tissue, which progressively destroys the tissue and underlying bone. When left untreated, the bacterial infection causes an inflammatory reaction in the body, which can deepen gum pockets (the space between the teeth and gums) and cause the gums and jawbone to recede. The teeth become loose and unstable when periodontal disease progresses and eventually fall out.

An expectant mother is more likely to suffer from gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) and periodontal disease due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Many research studies have linked oral problems to preeclampsia, low birth weight, and premature birth. To reduce the risk of prenatal and postnatal complications, expectant women should seek immediate treatment for periodontal disease.

Why is there a connection?

The following are some reasons why periodontal disease can affect the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child:

• Mothers who suffer from more advanced forms of periodontal disease seem to have higher levels of prostaglandin. One of the oral bacteria strains associated with periodontitis is found in prostaglandin, a labor-inducing compound. As a result of elevated prostaglandin levels, a mother may give birth prematurely and deliver a baby with low birth weight.
• C-reactive protein (CRP): Previously associated with heart disease, this protein is now associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and premature birth. Periodontal infections increase the body’s natural inflammatory response and elevate C-reactive protein levels. Bacteria from periodontal plaque may enter the bloodstream, causing the liver to produce CRP. This can lead to inflamed arteries and blood clots. Eventually, these inflammatory effects can lead to blocked arteries, resulting in strokes or heart attacks.
• Spread of bacteria: The bacteria in gum pockets can easily travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body. Research has found that oral bacteria and associated pathogens have colonized pregnant women’s internal mammary glands and coronary arteries.

There are many non-surgical treatment options available for pregnant women. To increase the chances of a healthy and safe delivery, it is vital to stop periodontal disease from progressing.

Treatment reduces the chances of pregnancy complications caused by periodontal disease by as much as 50%, and it eases many of the unpleasant and harmful effects caused by gingivitis and periodontal infection.

Our Periodontist in Alexandria, VA can provide education about effective home care for pregnant women and reduce the risk of adverse effects for her and/or her child. Proper home care, dietary changes, and supplemental vitamins can greatly reduce the risks of periodontal disease. To schedule a consultation appointment, please contact our 20602 Periodontist office.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf, MD 20602

Our gums play a crucial role in ensuring optimal oral health. Therefore, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, may lead to severe problems, including bad breath and even tooth loss. 

Various factors, such as genetics, family history, hormones, lack of dental care, aggressive bruising, etc., can cause our gums to recede, resulting in further adverse oral health conditions.

What is gum grafting?

The gum grafting procedure involves carefully removing a small amount of existing tissue and replacing it with new tissue—often used to prevent further gum recession or to cover exposed root surfaces of teeth. It is possible to use tissue from a variety of sources for this procedure, but usually it is taken from the palate (roof of the mouth) after it has been numbed for your comfort. Using suturing material that’s finer than human hair, it is delicately sutured (stitched) in the place where it is needed.

Following the grafting procedure, your body’s natural healing process takes over. During this time, new blood vessels grow into the graft, helping it integrate with the surrounding tissue. In addition to improving aesthetics, a successful graft can also reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity and further gum recession.

The procedure is common and relatively quick. A periodontist may suggest other treatment options or surgery depending on your oral health. By treating it early, you can reduce the risk of adverse health effects. In any case, it’s never too late to seek a diagnosis for gum grafting treatment with our Waldorf MD Periodontist.

Different types of gum graft procedures

Today, three types of gum grafting are available, including: 

• Connective Tissue Graft: In this procedure, connective tissue from under the palate is used to cover exposed tooth roots.
• Free Gingival Graft: This procedure usually uses a smaller amount of flap to build up thin gums.
• Pedicle Graft: With this gum grafting technique, the gum tissue is misplaced and needs to be surgically repositioned.

When is a gum graft recommended?

It is highly recommended that you undergo gum grafting surgery under the care of a periodontist if the roots of your teeth are exposed as a result of receding gums. The pocket between the gums and the tooth formed by receding gums becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. When this bacteria buildup hardens into plaque and tartar, one is at risk for infections, tooth decay, and advanced gum disease, which can lead to bone and tissue loss and even tooth loss. 

A receding gum line is not always visible to the naked eye, unlike a receding hairline. As such, even if one doesn’t notice a change in their gums, it is recommended to get regular dental check-ups to prevent permanent damage and tooth loss. 

The gums play a crucial role in keeping our teeth in place and helping to maintain our general oral hygiene. It is therefore crucial that we get regular checkups to prevent adverse health effects and undergo surgery, if necessary.

For any questions you may have about the gum grafting procedure or to schedule an appointment with our Periodontist in Waldorf MD, please contact our office.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf, MD 20602

Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums that damages the soft tissue between the teeth. If left untreated, this condition can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47.2% of adults aged 30 or older and 70.1% of adults aged 65 or older suffer from periodontal disease.

While periodontal disease is common, it is preventable through proper oral hygiene and treatment. By having regular dental checkups, you can prevent periodontal disease from affecting your oral health.

Are there any long-term effects of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis. The gum tissue might look red and swollen, causing bad breath. If left untreated, it can lead to mild to moderate periodontitis, characterized by infections and bleeding gums.

As periodontal disease progresses, tartar and bacteria get deeper into the gums and damage the bone and ligaments underneath. Eventually, this results in receding gums, bone damage, and tooth loss.

Periodontitis affects more than just your oral health. As bacteria and tartar grow in your mouth, they can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, causing health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Periodontal disease should be treated before it negatively affects your overall health.

Common causes and risk factors

You are at a higher risk of gum disease if you have the following factors:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition, including a lack of vitamin C
• Medication that causes dry mouth or affects the gums
• Having a family history of periodontitis
• Clenching and grinding your teeth on a regular basis
• Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing
• Hormonal changes
• Avoiding routine dental examinations and cleanings
• Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma, or kidney disease.
• Cancer treatment, leukemia, and HIV/AIDS can decrease immunity.

Periodontal disease prevention tips

• Brushing: Brushing your teeth after meals helps remove plaque and food particles that have accumulated between your teeth and gums. You should also brush your tongue, as food particles and bacteria can settle there. Make sure your toothbrush is soft-bristled.
• Floss: Be sure to floss between your teeth and gums at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque.
• Mouthwash Rinse: Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to keep it fresh and germ-free.
• Diet: Sugary foods and drinks can cause your mouth to produce acids. Avoid sticky foods that promote bacterial growth.

It is recommended that you see your dentist at least twice a year. You should not wait more than six months between visits. They will examine your teeth, gums, bone structure, and any symptoms or risk factors associated with periodontal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to reversing gum disease and preserving your oral health.

Periodontal disease does not have to lead to tooth loss. With the proper care, you can make them last a lifetime. Our Waldorf periodontist will create a treatment and care plan to treat any periodontal problems you may have. Contact our Impant Dentist in Waldorf office today to schedule an appointment.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Keeping good oral health is as easy as daily brushing and flossing and twice-yearly checkups at the dentist, but many people believe that the worst consequence of letting oral health slide is a cavity or two. A cavity is indeed serious enough to require dental intervention, but it is only one of many negative outcomes. One of the worst is periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.

What is periodontal disease?

When teeth and gums are not properly brushed and flossed, bacteria flourish, and plaque and tartar build-up create a serious gum infection. Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, can also be caused by smoking. Furthermore, medical conditions that reduce saliva flow, such as diabetes, pose a significant risk. Of the four stages of periodontal disease, only the first can be reversed—the rest will require advanced treatments with a periodontist.

Gingivitis

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup around the teeth, causing swelling and redness, bruising when you brush or floss, and bad breath. At this stage, the infection is mild and has not attacked the tooth root or bones, which means it can be reversed. It’s just a matter of brushing and flossing more thoroughly and getting a professional cleaning from your dentist. 

Early Periodontitis

Periodontal disease that progresses beyond gingivitis might not be reversible, but it can still be managed. By this stage, the infection has spread to the bone and is attacking bone tissues with stronger, more aggressive bacteria. An increase in swelling or redness of the gums and bleeding during brushing or flossing may indicate slight periodontal disease. This stage of the disease can be diagnosed by your dentist by probing the space between your gums and teeth. A depth of four to five millimeters indicates the presence of mild periodontal disease that will require specialized cleaning procedures.

Moderate Periodontitis

Symptoms of moderate periodontal disease are similar to those of slight periodontal disease, though probing depths are deeper, between six and seven millimeters. The deeper the pocket between your teeth and gums, the more bacteria attacks your teeth and jawbone. The bacteria can also enter your bloodstream and immune system at this stage. Stages 2 and 3 are treated in the same way through scaling and root planing, which are intense deep cleaning procedures that remove bacterial deposits below the gumline. 

Advanced Periodontitis

When you ignore the symptoms of earlier stages of periodontal disease, you will move on to stage 4, which threatens irreversible bone loss. Symptoms of this stage include red, swollen gums that ooze pus, painful chewing, extreme cold sensitivity, severe bad breath, and loose teeth. At this point, the only solutions are to undergo periodontal surgery or periodontal laser therapy, which will clean out the deep pockets of bacteria and allow the gums to heal.

The best way to prevent periodontal disease and the associated symptoms and complications is to brush and floss daily. However, if you do have symptoms of gum disease, you should see a dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.

Our Waldorf Periodontist office specializes in treating issues related to gum disease. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

In the United States, the incidence of liver cancer has tripled since 1980, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). According to the ASCO, liver cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men. Research indicates that it is more likely that you will develop this type of cancer if your oral health is poor.

It is well documented that certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be aggravated by an unhealthy mouth. This fact has been reaffirmed by a large-scale study conducted in the United Kingdom that found that people with poor oral health (sore and bleeding gums, loose teeth) had a 75% higher risk of developing liver cancer. 

Conducted by Haydee Jordao, the study analyzed the effects of oral health on several digestive system cancers, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and of course, the liver. They found no link between oral health and the overall risk of gastrointestinal cancer.

However, their study found a strong correlation between liver cancer and cancers of specific organs. The researchers are still unsure of why this may be the case. This could be explained by the liver’s role in eliminating bacteria from the body. Perhaps diseases such as cancer impair the liver’s ability to function. In addition to decreased oral health, poor nutrition can lead to obesity and other health problems that stress the body. 

We place a great deal of importance on your oral health, and we think you should too. Contact our Waldorf Periodontics office to schedule your next appointment. Your oral health may save your life. 

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf , MD 20602

When the sun is shining, the world seems to smile. All the extra sun may be beneficial for your gums as well. But how? Our Waldorf orthodontics team is happy you asked. Let’s find out.

Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D. Despite this, nearly one billion people worldwide lack adequate levels of vitamin D. Apart from keeping bones and teeth strong, vitamin D also supports a healthy immune system, making it a crucial component of our health. When the immune system is weak, many health problems can occur, including gum disease. Inflamed or sore gum tissue can cause loose teeth, painful gums, and even tooth loss.

You may notice a difference in your immune system if you get more sunlight. Although it doesn’t replace your daily oral hygiene routine, that extra bit of sun could keep your gums healthy and happy. But the fascinating part is that sunlight is free.  So why not take advantage of it?

Enjoy your outdoor fun while knowing that your oral health and overall health are being taken care of because of the sun. Contact our Alexandria, VA orthodontics office to schedule your next appointment and avoid gum disease.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf , MD 20602