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In this blog entry Dr Darryl Marsh writes... A thorough dental exam before you conceive is as important as an overall medical check-up.
During pregnancy, you are at greater risk of certain dental problems, the most common of these is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Because of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, your immune system becomes hypersensitive to the bacteria in dental plaque. So when you have a problem, it’s likely to develop and deteriorate at a much greater rate than it would at any other time.
So if you are planning a pregnancy, or have just found out you are pregnant it is wise to get your gums checked out to ensure there are no existing problems already, because periodontal disease can really accelerate throughout a pregnancy.
The other thing that’s important to know is that if you do develop gum disease during your pregnancy it can affect your bub because bacteria can be transmitted into your amniotic fluid. Researchers have found periodontal pathogens in amniotic fluid and placentas, which can lead to a greater risk of pre-eclampsia or a low birth weight for the baby. From your baby’s point of view it’s a good idea for mum to have a healthy smile.
When the baby is born DNA testing has shown that 95% of the bacteria actually comes from Mum. This means that if you have any of those nasty bacteria that can cause infection, be it gum disease, tooth cavities or any other form of infection in the mouth, then you’ve got a very high chance of passing them on to your baby.
Another reason to be on top of your dental care when thinking about starting a family is to do with the use of X-Rays during pregnancy.
Even though dental X-Rays (particularly the Digital X-Rays we use at our practice) are a fraction of the radiation dosage of medical X-Rays, most people want to avoid any unnecessary exposure if they can. So it is wise that you have your teeth examined and X-Rayed before you fall pregnant, so that if there are any cavities present you can deal with them before they become a problem during your pregnancy.
Question: What does gum disease bacteria mean for a baby that doesn’t have any teeth?
It may seem strange to worry about dental problems when your baby doesn’t have any teeth yet, but the bacteria which cause problems with teeth are able to live in the gums as well. This means that when they do get teeth, they’re much more likely to develop that infection.
Question: Is that a bug that is very hard to get rid of?
You can use antibiotics to kill the gum disease bacteria, but the ones we would get an adult to use are ones we want to avoid using on a baby.
Question: Is there anything else to be aware of?
We know that in adults that have periodontal disease, the bacteria doesn’t just sit in your mouth, it can cause damage to other parts of your body. For instance, in the elderly, the majority of upper respiratory tract infections are due to periodontal disease.
Medical research has also shown that having the bacteria that causes periodontal disease is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. So even though there is no specific research that has been done into the effects on babies health, it is logical to prevent this bacteria in your baby.
Question: Babies that have that form of bacteria, does it affect the formation of the teeth?
No, not that I’m aware of. There are some people that are very susceptible to periodontal disease and they can loose their adult teeth at a very early age, possibly as a teenager (this is known as Juvenile periodontitis). It is uncommon, but if you do get it, it is devastating because there is a very high risk that you’ll lose of all your adult teeth.
If you are thinking about starting a family or have any questions about dental matters during your pregnancy, then contact us or ‘Ask a Dentist‘ online.
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“Working with patients of all ages continues to ignite my passion within dentistry and I strive to provide a gentle, supportive and positive environment for every patient I work with. ”
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“I enjoy seeing the delight that our patients show when they realise how easy dental care can be! Our team at Today’s Dentistry work together to make every patient feel completely comfortable.”
Dr Sharon's commitment to excellence has shown itself right from the start of her dental career, when she graduated from the University of Queensland with Class I Honours. Her commitment to her craft is reflected in the numerous professional development courses she participates in, with a desire to get the best possible outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Sharon is passionate about empowering patients through education about their dental conditions, supporting them through overcoming dental anxiety, and helping them achieve their dental goals.
Away from the clinic, Dr. Sharon is an avid baker, a keen photographer, and a fitness enthusiast aiming to conquer the Bridge to Brisbane run in 2023.
I always loved going to my own dental visits, and one day I honestly just though ‘why don’t I give dental assisting a go’. I applied for a job and got a call back straight away, and have been in the industry ever since!
I studied my Cert 3 in Dental Assisting online alongside working full time in my first dental job. I chose to do it online so I had more time to work as I am more of a hands on learner.
I LOVE smile makeovers. I love seeing the joy, and happiness it brings patients and the amount of confidence they gain by having their dream smile.
I love feeling like I am making some sort of impact on people’s lives. Whether it is helping them with their smile makeover, holding their hand during a procedure or just being an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
The team, they are all so wonderful and both Darryl and David are so great to work for. But also what our core value is – which is patient care. I think we are a really great team at making sure our patients come first and their experience with us is a positive one each and every time.
Brisbane born and bred, Sarah’s passion for dentistry began during her orthodontic treatment in her teens. After graduating from highschool, Sarah began working as a dental nurse and decided her true calling was as a dental hygienist. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 and has worked in both the private and public sector since then.
Sarah’s focus is on prevention and education. Her goal is to empower her patients so that they can achieve and maintain the best possible oral health for life.
In her free time Sarah can be found spending time with her two sons, hiking, attending a pilates class or exploring Brisbane and the surrounds looking for new restaurants to eat at or adventures to have.
I have been a proud part of the Today's Dentistry team for 20 years now.
My journey to get here though was anything but straight forward and I can probably thank my own childhood family dental visits in Newcastle NSW for my interest in this area of care. It too was a very special practice that took the time with their patients young and old and truly cared about them.
Having my own great experiences as a patient I was thrilled for them to accept me for my Year 10 work experience as a dental assistant and fell comfortably into the role. Due to life as it was back then and lack of public transport my career took me in a whole different direction and I had many years at the Aluminium Smelter in Kurri Kurri.
Once my children were at school I applied for a position as a receptionist at the local Dental Practice only to be told it was actually for an assistant and was I still interested? Silly question! Hands on training the old school way which put me in great position for further learning when our family moved to WA for a couple of years and then finally finding my way to QLD and Darrly and David.
Dentistry to me is a package of many very important parts, the precision and artistry of the actual treatment, the person behind the treatment and understanding of not only their dental needs but emotional drivers and the communication and care to put this all together. Although I now find myself not chairside but doing the behind the scenes administration I still get to talk with our patients and be confident that they are in good hands with my wonderful team.
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“I value the many loyal patient relationships that I have built over the last 25 years and enjoy witnessing the procedures I have done stand the test of time.”
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“I have worked in Dentistry in one form or another since I was 16 years old. I love this profession and making a difference in others lives.”
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“Although I love the scientific side of dentistry, I also get a great deal of satisfaction from helping our patients and surprising them with what modern dentistry is capable of.”