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Gum health during pregnancy

Gum health during pregnancy – keeping yourself and your smile healthy when you’re expecting

Baby fever has well and truly hit the South West! Many of our lovely patients are pregnant and concerned about gum health during pregnancy, it can be difficult knowing what you can and cannot do during this time – here are some answers to your frequently asked questions about pregnancy and your smile!

I’m worried about my gum health during pregnancy, they’re sore and bleeding more than usual:

It is very common for the gums to become inflamed, with over 40% of women experiencing gingivitis during their pregnancy. Due to changes in hormones the gums are more reactive to any plaque left on the teeth. Continue brushing well with an electric toothbrush, introduce interdental cleaning such as floss, as well as maintaining your usual hygienist appointments. You’ll find that the cleaner the teeth are the less bleeding you’ll experience. Occasionally a red swelling will appear on the gum after the 1st trimester, this is called a pregnancy epulis and will generally resolve after delivery. If you have any concerns at all, please see one of our dentists or hygienists for advice.

Is there any dental treatment I cannot have when pregnant?

Routine dental treatment and healthy mouth reviews are safe during pregnancy. Ideally we want to ensure we detect any disease before it progresses as certain conditions, such as untreated gum disease, can impact birth weight. Although we tend to avoid removing teeth during the 1st and 3rd trimesters these can be carried out in emergencies. Local anaesthetic, straightening teeth and fillings are all perfectly safe. We don’t place amalgam fillings at Evolve so all white fillings are safe to place when pregnant. The only 2 things that cannot be carried out when pregnant or breastfeeding is tooth whitening and sedation.

When is the best time to book in to see the dentist or hygienist?

Usually the first 6 months after giving birth are a bit of a blur for the whole family. Between nappy changes, naps and feeding the last thing you want to do is come to the dentist. Our recommendation is to arrange an appointment for you and dad before the baby is born for your routine checks. This will help ensure good routines and allow us to provide prevention to help keep the family healthy.

I’m struggling with morning sickness and find it difficult to brush in the morning. Any tips?

As long as you brush your teeth in the evening and any other time during the day you will be protecting your teeth. If you find that late morning/early afternoon feels more comfortable then brushing at this time may be best for the time being. Try a smaller head toothbrush (such as a children’s electric brush) as this reduces gagging in most cases. It is important that after any type of sickness you rinse your mouth out with water to remove the excess acid and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth – this will help minimise erosion.

Are x-rays safe during pregnancy?

Dental x-rays are perfectly safe during pregnancy as the beam is not in the direction of the foetus and the dose is very low. However, if expectant mums are concerned about having x-rays during pregnancy we have lead vests available and can delay your routine x-rays until after the birth. Certain dental emergencies may however need x-rays for effective diagnosis and treatment.

I’ve heard that you can lose teeth when pregnant as the baby takes calcium from your bones and teeth.

Luckily this is just an old wives tale and it’s possible to come out of pregnancy with all your teeth intact! A lot of pregnant women experience serious sugar cravings, that alongside difficulty brushing due to morning sickness is often the reason for decay or cavities developing. Ideally, avoid sugary snacks, maintaining your routine appointments and brushing will help you keep all your gorgeous smiles!

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Ever wondered what a typical day looks like for one of our Treatment Co-ordinators?

From welcoming patients and supporting consultations to answering questions and helping patients feel at ease, no two days are ever quite the same.

Julie plays an important role in helping patients throughout their smile journey, ensuring they feel informed, supported and cared for every step of the way.

Take a look behind the scenes and spend a day with Julie at Evolve!

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In this video, Dr Richard Ford explains some of the most common reasons gums bleed and what you can do to improve your gum health at home.

The good news is that, in many cases, bleeding gums can be improved with the right oral hygiene routine and professional support.

Watch the video to learn more and let us know if you’ve got a dental question you’d like us to answer next.

#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
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In this video, Maggie explains why professionally prescribed teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile when carried out under the guidance of a dental professional.

Unfortunately, misinformation can stop people from exploring treatments that could help them feel more confident about their smile. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing trusted advice and helping patients make informed decisions about their oral health.

Have you heard any dental myths that you’re not sure about? Let us know in the comments below. 👇

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It’s a question we hear all the time.

In this video, our Therapist Flora explains how sugary drinks can affect your teeth and why it’s not just the amount of sugar that matters, but how often you’re having it throughout the day.

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Watch Flora’s advice and let us know if there’s a dental question you’d like us to answer next.

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At Evolve, we’re incredibly proud of our team - not just for the care they provide to our patients, but for the difference they make beyond the practice too. 💜

On 30 July, our wonderful dental nurse, Kayse, and her brother will be taking on an incredible challenge by completing a charity skydive in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

They’re stepping well outside their comfort zones to raise money for a cause that means so much. Alzheimer’s and dementia affect millions of families, taking away precious memories and changing lives forever. By supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, they’re helping to fund vital research into better treatments and, one day, a cure.

Their fundraising target is £650, and every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.

If you’d like to support Kayse and her brother, you can donate here:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/jordankayse

Good luck with the jump Kayse - we know you’ll be amazing! ✈️💜

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Some patients achieve their desired results in as little as six months, while more complex cases may take longer. The good news is that modern orthodontic treatment is carefully planned from the start, so you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect before treatment begins.

At Evolve Dentistry, we’ll assess your smile, discuss your goals and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to you.

Whether you’re looking to correct crowding, close gaps or improve the overall appearance of your smile, the journey may be shorter than you think.

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📞 Contact our team to arrange a consultation and discover what’s possible for your smile.

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It’s World Wellbeing Week, and we’d love to hear from you!

Looking after your wellbeing doesn’t have to mean making big changes. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference - a walk in the fresh air, spending time with family, exercising, reading a good book or enjoying a coffee with a friend.

At Evolve, we know that looking after your wellbeing is an important part of living a happy, healthy life.

So, here’s our question:

💙 What is your favourite way to look after your wellbeing?

Share your answer in the comments below - you might inspire someone else to try something new!

#WorldWellbeingWeek #Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
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