Can you go to the dentist while pregnant? It may feel like a visit to a dental office is the farthest thing from your mind during this exciting and busy time in your life, but keeping up with oral health care and hygiene is still important. In this post, we’ll explore the impacts of pregnancy on your teeth and what you can do to maintain your healthy smile during this time.
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How Pregnancy Affects Oral Health
When you become pregnant, you become inundated with appointments and a busy schedule. The last thing you’re considering is whether you’re due for a dental checkup. However, it is essential to note that poor oral health may adversely affect your pregnancy. Your diet and lifestyle choices can also impact your child’s tooth development in the womb. Here are some concerns to keep in mind:
Effects of Hormones on Gums
One common condition pregnant women may experience is pregnancy gingivitis. This occurs during the second and third trimesters and results from hormone changes. The increase of two hormones can cause tender gums that often bleed or become inflamed during regular brushing and flossing routines.
Potential for Increased Dental Issues
Gum disease is a concern for everyone, but especially pregnant women. For example, periodontitis is a dental condition that has an impact on both the mother and unborn child simultaneously. Minor issues that go ignored can become more serious when it comes to your oral health, making monitoring and regular check-ups essential.
Morning Sickness and Dental Care
Morning sickness is a side effect of pregnancy that affects many women. One impact of this is stomach acid, which may irritate your gums and erode your teeth. Many expectant mothers make the mistake of brushing their teeth right after getting morning sickness. However, a better routine is to use fluoridated mouthwash initially and then wait 30 minutes before brushing. This ensures that you’re not spreading bacteria throughout your mouth.
Maintaining Good Oral Health During Pregnancy
There are plenty of things you can do to prevent and detect dental issues during pregnancy. Here are some of the practices you can do to ensure your smile stays healthy:
Regular Dental Checkups
Dental checkups and cleanings are safe and essential during pregnancy. These appointments can help detect and treat cavities and gum disease early, which is safe and crucial for preventing more serious complications. Your dentist will advise you if you require a procedure that may not be safe during this time and can likely wait until after you give birth.
Optimal Oral Hygiene Practices
Being pregnant may cause you to deviate from your regular morning and evening routines, thus missing out on your at-home dental care. This is especially likely if you are dealing with morning sickness or gum sensitivity. However, it’s important to continue brushing and flossing as you usually do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you are dealing with increased gum sensitivity, your dentist can recommend products that work well for this condition.
Dietary Considerations
Studies have shown that a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D can help with your baby’s bone and teeth development. Adding these nutrients or consuming foods with them can help teeth form properly in the womb and may improve oral health long into your child’s life.
Is it Safe to Get Dental Work While Pregnant?
Most dental procedures are safe for pregnant women, but extra precautions must be taken for X-rays and surgical dentistry. Unless it’s an emergency, your dentist may wish to schedule any procedure that requires anesthesia after you’ve given birth.
Schedule Your Routine Check-Up
Pregnancy can be exciting yet stressful at the same time. There’s a lot on your plate before your due date, but don’t forget to add a dental appointment to your schedule. It’s good for you and good for your baby! Contact us today to schedule your check-up.
