Gingivitis can affect the health of both mother and baby in pregnancy

Oral health is directly linked to overall health. This is especially true for women during pregnancy. It is important that you practice exceptional oral care habits in order to promote your oral health and always visit your dentist for routine cleanings and a check-up even during this amazing time. Dental treatment is usually completely safe to be done during the second trimester, only as part as a precautionary measure. If you are hesitant as to whether or not you should keep your dental appointment, feel free to contact our office for more information.

Gingivitis is a condition that should be taken care of promptly and even more so during pregnancy or if you have decided to become pregnant. Since your immune system can become weakened during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes occurring in your body, gingivitis is something that can develop if good oral habits are not practiced. Untreated gingivitis can develop into gum disease, which has been linked to premature birth.

Ways to avoid Gingivitis during pregnancy includes:

• Brushing and flossing twice daily
• Use mouthwash once daily, if tolerated
• Maintain routine cleaning appointments with your dentist
• Contact us if you see any changes in your mouth tissue or anything of concern

Congratulations on your pregnancy or if you have decided to take the next step to becoming a mother. We understand that this is an important time in your life and we will be with you every step of the way. May you be pampered and love not just on Mother's Day, but every day.

Happy Mother's Day!

Contact Us:
Trunkey Dental
Phone: (661) 322-3892
Address: 3807 San Dimas Street Suite A,
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Email: smile@trunkeydental.com
Website: http://trunkeydental.com/

Smile bright and visit our Dentist in Bakersfield for all your dental needs!

Trunkey Dental strives to provide excellent customer care and comfort when attending to every dental need.

From preventative, general or cosmetic dentistry to sedation dentistry for nervous patients, Dr. Donald Trunkey - Dentist in Bakersfield - and staff have the knowledge and experience needed to get the job done.

Our dental office in Bakersfield provides a comfortable atmosphere where you can relax. We promise you will leave our office smiling bright!

Call us today at (661) 322-3892 or visit our website for more information: http://trunkeydental.com/


Trunkey Dental
3807 San Dimas Street Suite A,
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 322-3892
http://trunkeydental.com/

Join us in the battle against Oral Cancer now in April!

http://trunkeydental.com/

What are oral cancer risk factors?

Anyone can get oral cancer, but there are some factors that can increase the chances of you getting the disease. Just like with any of the other types of cancer, oral cancer risk increases as you age. Additionally, men are more likely that women to develop the disease along with those 55 or older.

Other risk factors for developing oral cancer include: 

• Tobacco Usage: 80% of patients nationwide that are diagnosed with oral cancer yearly are tobacco users, whether it be through cigarettes or chewing tobacco. The amount of risk usually depends of the frequency and duration of the use. The more tobacco you use, the higher the risk of developing oral cancer. 
• Alcohol: About 70% of patients nationwide that are diagnosed with oral cancer yearly are heavy drinkers. Logically, the risk is much higher for patients that are heavy drinkers and also use tobacco. 
• Increased or prolonged sun exposure: Oral cancer of the lip is extremely frequent in patients that work outdoors or are increasingly exposed to sunlight. 
• Age: Even though the median age of patients diagnosed with cancer is 62, patients are encouraged to attend regular oral cancer screenings when over the age of 50. 

Patients with family history of the cancer or those who are at an increased risk of developing the disease are urged to visit much earlier. We invite you to schedule a visit to Bakersfield dental office for a cancer screening. The earlier you are diagnosed, the better chances you have for a cure. Call today!

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?

A tooth infection can be extremely painful and usually affects of the root or portion between the gum s and tooth. It is generally caused by severe tooth decay that has not been addressed in some time. This is the reason we always recommend visiting a dentist routinely about every 6 months or sooner if advised to do so by the dentist. We all have different types of teeth and many patients are more prone to cavities and tooth infections than others. Always listen to the recommendations given to you by your dentist.

The most common symptom of a tooth infection is constant, throbbing pain of the tooth and portions around it. Other symptoms of an infected tooth include:

• Fever 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods/liquids 
• Halitosis (smelly breath) 
• Swollen gums or glands 
• Open sore on gums 

The root of the tooth can die from the tooth infection which will make the pain stop; however, this does not mean that the tooth has healed. Dental treatment is still required. The infection may then spread to other teeth or other areas of the mouth and should be addressed as soon as possible.

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above or think that you may have an infected tooth, please contact our Bakersfield dental office for treatment as soon as possible. Not getting treatment in a timely manner may result in tooth extraction or other costly dental procedures.