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How Is Aspirin So Dangerous to Your Gums? | Issaquah Dentists

Whenever you’re experiencing any kind of pain in your teeth, gums, or mouth in general, you should never put an aspirin anywhere near your gums.

If you ever experience unbearable pain anywhere in your mouth, we recommend you consult us; we’ll give you recommendations on the right kind of pain-relieving medication to take. That said, let’s learn a little more about aspirin and why it isn’t safe to put on your gums.

The main reason why aspirin isn’t good for you is that it can chemically burn your gums. Not only does it not relieve your pain, but it also introduces another pain on top of it that you will have to deal with.

Common Dental Myths

Some people wrongly believe that if they mix aspirin into a paste, it will work better, while others believe that the best way to make it work is to press it directly onto the gum. Neither of those methods works.

Why You Should Avoid Aspirin

Aspirin has a scientific name: Acetylsalicylic Acid, which means that it is an acid. You may know from your high school chemistry that acid burns your tissue, including your gums, your mouth, and even your teeth.

If you want an OTC drug that really works, we recommend you get Ibuprofen. It isn’t an acid, it relieves pain and inflammation, and it is actually safe for your teeth, gums, and mouth in general. In fact, if you’re taking aspirin, you shouldn’t take any Ibuprofen at all as the two can be a dangerous mix. Our advice is that you avoid aspirin completely.

Ultimately, if you’re experiencing a toothache, we recommend that you visit our offices so we can have a look at it. A painkiller will provide only temporary relief. If you want a more permanent cure, you should come and let our professionals have a look at it.

For more information about the effects of aspirin on your gums, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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Why You Need to Protect Your Gums When Pregnant | Issaquah Dentist

If you are pregnant, your calendar will likely fill up quickly with all of the things you need to do before the baby arrives. While this will likely include regular appointments with your doctor, it is important to remember your oral health during this time. Regular dental cleanings and some extra oral hygiene precautions can keep your mouth healthy.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy gingivitis is a result of hormonal changes that lead to issues in the mouth. Your gums may bleed easily and feel tender and swollen. These symptoms can begin at any time throughout a pregnancy and are a sign that your gums need extra care and attention.

Prematurity and Low Birth Weight

Unfortunately, some scientists believe that gum disease during pregnancy may be connected to bigger problems. There have been several scientific studies that found connections between periodontal disease and prematurity. This research found that women with gum disease may be at an increased risk for delivering babies prematurely or at a low-birth weight when compared to mothers with healthy gums.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that babies who weigh less than 5.5 pounds at birth could be at risk for learning disabilities, delayed motor skills, and other issues.

Preventing Adverse Complications

If you are pregnant and worried about these adverse outcomes, there are steps that you can take. Routine brushing and flossing – twice and once per day, respectively – is a necessity, and it is important to focus on the gums during your oral hygiene efforts. A periodontal evaluation may be useful to inspect the health of your gums, and you should monitor your gums frequently to look for any changes.

Maintaining good oral and gum health supports your overall health as well as the health of your baby. Call us today to set up an appointment so that we can help you to have a healthy pregnancy.

For more information about All-on-4 implants, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.