Biting your tongue and cheeks

Everyone has accidentally bitten his tongue while eating or woken up with a small mark on the inside of his cheek. But what do you do if this nuisance becomes a common occurrence? Many people frequently bite the inside of their mouth during sleep or while eating, but the causes vary.

In some cases, it is due to misalignment of the teeth or poor denture fitting. In that situation, the teeth can overlap with the person’s tongue, increasing the chance of a bite. In other cases, a person may constantly breathe with his mouth open, leading to a slightly swollen tongue, which can again lead to accidental bites. In some rare cases, a person may also have seizures, causing him to involuntarily bite his tongue or cheek.

 Regardless of the reason, though, constant wounds in the mouth can become more than just annoying. Over time, biting can lead to scars and decreased sensitivity, so it is important to treat the bites properly and speak with a dentist about preventing future occurrences. He or she will help you identify the cause of the biting and hasten the time until you can eliminate the bites altogether.

Pregnancy and your gums

When you find out you’re pregnant, your gums are probably one of the last things on your mind. Yet, research suggests that taking care of your teeth and gums should be at the top of your list, along with picking out a name and buying diapers. The American Academy of Periodontology estimates that about half of pregnant women experience gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis range from swelling and redness to bleeding and tissue tenderness. This may seem like a small concern in relation to having a baby, but researchers have discovered a link between periodontal disease and pre-term births.

According to the AAP, pregnant women with periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to give birth early, meaning they are at risk of having an underdeveloped or low-weight baby. The cause of this link is thought to be a chemical called prostaglandin, which, in high levels, can cause labor to be induced. Fortunately, women who receive treatment for their gingivitis and periodontal disease can reduce their chances of having a pre-term birth. If you’re pregnant, make an appointment with your dentist so you can clear up any problems right away. Dentists can remove plaque and tartar from the gums and help you get rid of any signs of gingivitis, leaving you with a healthy and low-risk pregnancy.