This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
healthbriefs


Is it Safe for a Pregnant Woman to Visit a Dentist? Yes


by Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD A Jonathan Richter, DDS


ccording to research from the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Health, in 2011 about two-thirds of


pregnant women had their teeth cleaned in the year pri- or to delivery, but approximately one-half had their teeth cleaned during pregnancy. While plenty of factors may keep pregnant women from visiting their dentist, some may avoid going because they are unsure if it’s safe. If you’re planning on becoming pregnant or suspect


you’re already pregnant, it’s important that you see a dentist right away. Pregnancy may cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones—particularly an in- crease in estrogen and progesterone, which can exaggerate the way in which gum tissues react to plaque. Research continues to show that overall health and oral health coincide, so it’s especially important for you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy. Visiting your dentist will allow him/her to assess your oral condition and map out a dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy. Not only are women more likely to have oral health problems when they are pregnant, but these oral health problems may lead to systemic health issues for mother and baby. Avoiding dental care is a problem, because normal health changes during pregnancy cause women to have more gum disease, called peri- odontitis, and tooth decay. The growing womb presses on the stomach, which can cause heartburn or gastric reflux and result in softening or dissolving tooth enam- el. Teeth with thin or weak enamel have a high risk of decay and are sensitive to cold food and drink.


In addition, during pregnancy increased hormone levels cause gums to be


more sensitive to bacterial plaque that normally forms on teeth. When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis—red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. So-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree and generally begins to surface as early as the second month of pregnancy. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss. Research suggests a link between preterm delivery, low birth-weight babies,


and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through your gums; the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor. Pregnant women are also at risk for developing pregnancy tumors—inflam-


matory, noncancerous growths that develop between the teeth or when swollen gums become irritated. These localized growths or swellings are believed to be re- lated to excess plaque. Normally, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink on their own after the baby’s birth; however, if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing or other oral hygiene procedures, your dentist may decide to remove it.


Source: Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cardiodontal (310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-282-0310 or visit Cardiodontal.com. See ad on back cover.


14 Long Island Edition www.NaturalAwakeningsLI.com


Early Job Satisfaction Supports Long- Term Health R


esearchers from Ohio State Univer- sity, in Columbus, started with data from 6,432 participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, conducted in 1979, to study the impact that early job satisfaction has upon health as we age. The new study examined reports of job satisfaction on a scale of one (dislike very much) to four (like very much) for participants between the ages of 25 and 39. Then they compared the responses to mental and physical health reports measured after the participants turned 40. Those that reported low job sat- isfaction throughout their 20s and 30s exhibited higher levels of emotional problems, depression, sleep problems and excessive worry. Individuals that started out satisfied with their jobs but became less satisfied over time also faced sleep and anxiety difficulties, but exhibited less depression. The partici- pants that reported increasing job sat- isfaction in their 20s and 30s reported fewer mental health problems. The correlation between physical health after 40 and early job satisfac- tion was not as strong, but university associate professor of sociology Hui Zheng notes, “Increased anxiety and depression could lead to cardiovascular or other health problems that won’t show up until they are older.”


Pressmaster/Shutterstock.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52