Happy Mouth, Happy Baby!

Everything You Should Know About Oral Care During Pregnancy

A Guide by Dr. Michelle Weddle

So, you’re having a baby or thinking about having one — congratulations! This is an exciting time in your life, but it’s probably also a bit hectic and stressful. There are so many things that you’re supposed to juggle during pregnancy to make sure your baby is healthy: avoid certain foods, take the right vitamins, get enough sleep, visit the doctor regularly ... the list is endless! As a mom myself, I’ve slogged through it twice, so I know just how overwhelming it can be. After reading dozens of baby books and getting the nursery colors picked out, you might finally think you’ve covered it all, but there’s actually one more thing you should add to your pregnancy checklist that the baby

books often leave out: a dental visit.

How will a visit to the dentist help my baby?

If you’re not sure how a dentist can help you have a healthy pregnancy, you’re not alone! Outside the dental world, not a lot of people realize that there’s a very important link between good oral health and a healthy pregnancy. If a mom has gum disease, cavities, or airway issues, that can affect her developing baby. Sometimes, the results can be as serious as premature labor, low birth weight, or delivery complications.

Luckily, an experienced dentist with the necessary training can catch all of these problems early. That’s why I always recommend visiting the dentist early in your pregnancy or even when you’re still trying for a baby! It could make all the difference in your little one’s life. As you might be able to tell, this is a topic that’s really close to my heart, which is why I created this guide for you. In the next few pages, I’ll go over the three biggest oral health risks during pregnancy — airway issues, gum disease, and cavities — and how a good dentist can help you avoid them.

Contagious Cavities: Keep Your Baby Safe From Bacteria

Gum disease (aka periodontal disease) is a type of inflammation that manifests in the gums. A lot of people assume that it’s caused by poor brushing and flossing habits, but that’s actually only one trigger. I’ve seen a lot of patients with gum disease who are great at brushing and flossing but are predisposed to it because of their genetics or other conditions that cause inflammation, like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even Alzheimer’s.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include red or swollen gums and bleeding when you floss. This might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a sign of serious inflammation that can harm you and your baby.

How much harm can gum disease cause?

Inflammation in the gums ends up circulating throughout your whole body and puts your system in fight-or-flight mode. As you can imagine, this isn’t the ideal state to be in when you’re having a baby! Gum disease has been linked with premature labor, low birth weight, and increased delivery complications. It can also be a barrier to fertility treatments because it makes in vitro fertilization (IVF) more likely to fail. Luckily, it’s easy to treat with the help of an experienced dentist or hygienist. At Great Smiles, my team and I use techniques like deep cleaning (including scaling and root planing) and occasional surgery to keep periodontal disease in check and help future

moms stay healthy.

< Older Post

The Amazing Benefits Of A Good Night Sleep

By The Center • April 12, 2023

Getting a good night's sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Adequate sleep is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved memory and cognitive function, increased immunity, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. However, getting quality sleep can be challenging, especially for those who suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, leading to a disrupted sleep pattern. The condition can cause morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other complications. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. At the New Jersey Center for Sleep & TMJ Wellness, we understand the importance of quality sleep and the risks associated with sleep apnea. Our team of experts can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea with custom-made oral appliances that improve breathing and reduce the risk of complications. In addition to sleep apnea, there are other factors that can affect the quality of your sleep. Here are some amazing health benefits of getting a good night's sleep: Improved mood: Lack of sleep can cause irritability, mood swings, and depression. Quality sleep can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Boosted immune system: Adequate sleep is crucial for a healthy immune system, reducing the risk of illness and infections. Better mental performance: Quality sleep can improve cognitive function, including memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Increased physical performance: Sleep is essential for muscle repair and recovery, improving physical performance and reducing the risk of injury. Reduced inflammation: Chronic lack of sleep can cause inflammation, which has been linked to several chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Getting quality sleep is vital for overall health and well-being. If you're experiencing morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, or other symptoms of sleep apnea, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team of experts. Our custom-made oral appliances can help improve breathing and reduce the risk of complications associated with sleep apnea. Take control of your sleep today and achieve a better quality of life. Don't wait; prioritize your sleep today.

It Could Be More Than "Just Snoring"

By The Center • March 12, 2023

Snoring can be a nuisance for both the snorer and their sleeping partner, but it could be more than just an annoyance. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that can have severe health consequences if left untreated. If you or a loved one snores frequently, it's essential to understand the risks of sleep apnea and seek professional help. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, leading to a disrupted sleep pattern. It can cause morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other complications. Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease if left untreated.

A Day In the Life Without TMJ

By The Center • February 12, 2023

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw muscles and joints that control jaw movement. This can lead to jaw pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and clicking or popping sounds when chewing or speaking. Patients with TMJ may also experience morning headaches, earaches, and difficulty eating or talking. TMJ can be a frustrating and painful condition that can impact daily life. However, with the help of the New Jersey Center for Sleep & TMJ Wellness, patients can find relief from TMJ and Jaw Pain. Experiencing TMJ and jaw pain can make it difficult to go about daily activities. Here is a look at what a day without TMJ and jaw pain could be like: Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day without morning headaches. Enjoy breakfast without any pain or discomfort while chewing. Speak and laugh without worrying about jaw pain or clicking sounds. Be able to concentrate at work or school without being distracted by jaw pain. Have a relaxing evening without the need to apply heat or ice to the jaw. If you suffer from TMJ and jaw pain, you day may look a bit more like this: Waking up with soreness or tightness in the jaw, neck, or shoulders. Feeling pain or discomfort while eating, especially when chewing tough or crunchy foods. Difficulty opening the mouth fully or feeling like the jaw is stuck or locked in place. Clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth. Experiencing frequent headaches, especially in the morning, that don't seem to have an obvious cause. Feeling anxious or stressed due to the discomfort and uncertainty around the condition. If you're in the second group and are experiencing TMJ and Jaw Pain, know that you are not alone. Millions of people experience these symptoms every day. However, there is hope. The New Jersey Center for Sleep & TMJ Wellness provides a range of treatments for TMJ, including oral appliances, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. They can work with you to find the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Don't let TMJ and Jaw Pain control your life. With the help of the New Jersey Center for Sleep & TMJ Wellness, you can find relief from these symptoms and get back to enjoying your daily activities. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free life.