Are you pregnant? That’s wonderful. But now more than ever it’s important to stay on top of the care of your dental health. It’s not only good for you — it’s great for your new baby!
But keep in mind that pregnancy can be challenging when it comes to dental care. Your body’s producing hormones that increase the risk of gingivitis, loose teeth, and periodontal disease.
You may even experience pregnancy tumors. Don’t worry — it’s not cancer. These are swollen lumps that form on the gums, usually in between teeth, that often cause bleeding. Most are caused by plaque. The good news is they tend to go away on their own once you’ve given birth. In extreme cases, they may have to be removed surgically.
We would recommend a thorough teeth cleaning ideally before pregnancy or as early in the pregnancy as possible. This will rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that could affect the baby!
Keep Us Informed!
Your dentist is like your doctor. Keep us in the loop. Let us know if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Most routine dental work is fine to do during pregnancy. Urgent dental care is usually alright too. We’d recommend postponing any elective work until after pregnancy to ensure the safety of your baby. We’ll be especially cautious about the medications we prescribe and how they can affect your baby.
Always tell us about any specific medical advice given to you by a doctor, especially when it comes to pregnancy. This may affect how we approach treatment and dental care.
If you are trying to get pregnant, it’s always a good idea to get caught up on any dental work as soon as possible. Keep up on any recommended tooth cleanings and checkups . The more dental care you do before conception will help reduce the risk of premature birth.
Are X-Rays Safe?
Yes! Modern X-Rays are safe during pregnancy. Previous X-Ray technologies were once considered risky, but the technology has evolved and improved. We’ll place a protective shied guard on your abdomen and thyroid to protect the baby.
Great Dental Care — Good for You, Great for Your Baby!
Practicing great oral hygiene is always important: Brush and floss regularly; drink plenty of water. But when you’re pregnant, dental health becomes even more critical because the health of your mouth can have a direct impact on the health of your baby.
Morning sickness is natural and common, but always be sure to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water afterwards. The resulting bile can cause cavities.
It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water between meals — or just drinking a nice glass of cold water. This will keep you hydrated as well as wash away any food debris to further protect your teeth.
