Dental care and moms
By Ken McEntee
If anybody deserves to be treated like a queen, it should be expecting moms, opines Dr. Jonathan Klineman, owner of Middleburg Heights Family Dentistry.
Although gum disease can have serious health consequences, a visit to the dentist needn’t be something that patients, or moms-to-be, dread. That’s why Dr. Jon and his team work to make a visit as relaxing and stress-free as possible.
“Because of the connection between gum disease and other health problems, it’s important for pregnant women to have healthy mouths,” he explains.
“That’s why we make it convenient for expecting moms to come in. If you’re toting around young kids, bring them with you. We have a lot of moms and dads working in the office. We’re happy to help out.”
Dr. Jon suggests an oral exam when you learn that you’re pregnant—or, better yet, when you start trying to conceive.
“Almost half of all American adults will have some form of gum disease, and researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease, and the risk may even be greater for those with high cholesterol,” he says.
“The common thread between gum disease and chronic health conditions is inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to an infection or injury. The build-up of inflammatory substances in the blood seems to worsen heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Eliminating the gum infection may dampen that harmful response throughout the body. This body response to inflammation has been linked to the same build up of arterial plaque.”
Hormonal changes can make pregnant women even more vulnerable to gum disease, Dr. Jon insists.
“With diet changes and morning sickness, the acidity of a pregnant woman’s saliva can be detrimental to tooth health and will cause decay at a rapid rate,” he says.
“Because of hormonal changes, 40 percent of women will have some form of gum disease or infection during their pregnancies. There is actually a condition called pregnancy gingivitis that goes away after the child is delivered. Symptoms include puffy gums and blood on your toothbrush. Some of the bacteria that is found in the mouth also is found in the placenta.”
Dr. Jon promises that expecting moms will be pampered during their dental visit.
“We prefer to treat pregnant women during their second trimester, before they are too uncomfortable,” he says.
“We help them to sit in comfortable positions and we make the visit as short as possible. Like all of our patients, they will get a warm or cool neck pillow during treatment and they can even have relaxing hand warmers. Easing the anxiety of dental care increases the success of the procedure. An appointment at Middleburg Heights Family Dentistry is almost like a trip to the spa.”
The digital X-rays done in the office are taken outside the mouth using the lowest amount of radiation possible, Dr. Jon assures.
Middleburg Heights Family Dentistry has been caring for area families for 40 years. Last November, the practice moved into a spacious new office, with nine operatories, on Pearl Road, near Webster.
“We’re a one-stop shop for family dentistry,” Dr. Jon emphasizes.
“Our four dentists and four hygienists take care of everything from routine exams to orthodontics to emergency care. Dr. Al Psota, who founded the practice, began the philosophy of going above and beyond the training that is taught in dental school. We have advanced training in things like cosmetic and rehabilitative dentistry and treatment of sleep apnea. Our dentists have traveled throughout the country to train with leaders in our field.”
Conveniently, the office begins seeing patients as early as 7:00 a.m. and is open until 8:00 p.m.
“We have two shifts, which makes it easy for people to make an early appointment and still get to work on time, or they can come in the evening after work,” Dr. Jon says.
“We have a daily staff meeting before each shift so that everybody in the office is up on what’s happening that day and we’re all on the same page.”
The philosophy of patient comfort begins when you walk into the reception area. While you await your appointment, you can enjoy a cafe mocha, a cappuccino or just a simple cup of coffee or tea, or a bottled water. Juice is available for kids.
“If you have back, neck or shoulder problems, just let us know,” invites Dr. Jon. “Our chairs can be adjusted to several positions for your comfort.”
A fun, congenial atmosphere helps to put even the most anxious patients at ease, he says.
“We have fun things to celebrate, like getting your braces off or completing treatment,” he says. “We use Facebook to stay in touch with our patients. And we are all expert listeners.”
You can schedule an appointment—or a no-cost smile consultation—usually within three days by calling Middleburg Heights Family Dentistry, at 440-888-6783. The new office is located at 7528 Pearl Road, in Middleburg Heights. You can also visit them online at MiddleburgHeightsFamilyDentistry.com.