Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pregnancy - Part II

Ensure a healthy mouth for you and
your baby!

Last month we wrote about awaiting the arrival of your new baby, and some of the risks of your oral health. Today we talk about puffy gums and what they can signal.

Pregnancy Tumors

Some women experience pregnancy tumors.  These puffy areas of the gums are typically non-cancerous, but can be painful or uncomfortable for you. Pregnancy tumors are inflammatory reactions to an irritant like plaque, and can bleed and become unsightly to some women, causing them to refrain from eating, smiling and talking. 

It is very important to see your dentist while you are pregnant. Drs. Cooley and Cooley will be able to ensure that your teeth remain healthy, as well as determine if you are prone to or suffering from any pregnancy induced oral health issues. 

Concerned About Your Oral Health?

Talk to one of our dental professionals at Cooley Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Bellevue, WA. We invite you to visit our website at www.cooleysmiles.com or call us at (425) 998-6998 to schedule your individualized consultation with our doctors.

Preventive Care vs. Reactive Care

Keep your smile beautiful with regular visits!

All too often, many assume that a dental appointment is not needed because there are no real dental issues going on at the moment. Contrary to popular belief, your dentist is there for more than knocked out teeth and toothaches. The right dentist can help with proper preventive care to help keep your mouth healthy and to help prevent more serious issues from occurring.

Every 6 Months

At the very least, you should be visiting Dr. Aaron or Dr. Brandon Cooley every 6 months. This allows him to fully inspect your teeth and gums to ensure that there are no issues that you are not aware of yet. When you let conditions with your teeth get out of hand, the resolution can be rather invasive. By keeping your twice yearly appointments, you can keep your mouth healthy and your pain to a minimum.

Why Get A Baseline?

When you visit our office regularly, it allows us to have a baseline with which to compare your mouth to each time you visit. At your initial New Patient appointment, your Bellevue dentist will perform x-rays and other routine procedures to assess what is normal for your individual mouth. On subsequent visits, Drs. Aaron or Brandon Cooley will be able to determine if anything has drastically changed.

Immediate Assistance

Of course, if you have any issues that require immediate dental assistance, you should not delay in seeing your dentist. Anytime you experience pain, bleeding, a lost permanent tooth, a lost filling, or anything out of the ordinary, you should call us right away.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pregnancy - Part I

Staying mouth healthy during your pregnancy.

Pregnancy and awaiting the arrival of your baby can be an exciting time, but it can wreak havoc on your oral health. Your body goes through many hormonal changes, as well as physical changes that could affect the health of your mouth more than you may realize.

Gum Disease

The largest risk to your mouth during your pregnancy is the risk of gingivitis and gum (periodontal) disease. The hormones that are created to keep your baby safe can put you at higher risk for pregnancy- induced gingivitis. If you don’t already have gum disease, this condition is usually temporary, and usually appears between the second to eighth month of pregnancy. Keep up with your home care by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily, as well as getting your professional cleanings. There has been some studies linking gum disease to premature births, so speak to your dentist about what you can do to if you have gum disease and reducing your risk of complications.  

Need to Schedule Your Next Cleaning in Bellevue, WA?

Call us today at (425) 998-6998 for your individualized consultation with Dr. Aaron or Dr. Brandon Cooley.

Happy "Tooth"thousand fourteen!

At Cooley Smiles, we're ringing in the New Year in style. We invite you to come by our offices and see the difference that our patients are talking about! From comprehensive family dental care, to complex cosmetic makeovers and sleep apnea therapies, the Bellevue dental team at Cooley Smiles offers only the best.

As you pin up your list of New Year's Resolutions, don't forget about your oral care! Is there a procedure you've needed but have been putting off? Or perhaps you've always wanted to fix the space between your front teeth but hadn't gotten around to scheduling a consultation. Many of our patients are surprised to learn how affordable cosmetic dentistry is, and appreciate the financial plans that we offer to help their dental needs and desires fit their budget.

It's not too late to call and schedule your next appointment - we're available to help you! Call us today at (425) 998-6938, or visit our website at www.cooleysmiles.com to learn more!