Having a Baby? 9 Things Your Dentist Wants You to Understand About Pregnancy

Pregnancy’s a ride — sometimes all you can do is just try to hang on tight. There are so many things to think about and prepare for — doctor’s appointments, nutrition, planning the nursery. But don’t forget about your dentist. Pencil us in. Great dental care is important to not only your health, but the health and safety of your future baby. Here are 9 things your dentist wants you to know when you’re pregnant.

Tell Us Your Pregnant

Tell us the good news — we want to know if you’re pregnant. This way, we can adjust and plan your dental care accordingly. We may ask for a referral letter from your OB-GYN. Sometimes we like to tag team with your doctor so your dental care can work in conjunction with other healthcare for the sake of you and your baby. We’d like to know which prenatal vitamins you’re taking to ensure you’re getting enough calcium. A healthy amount of calcium will help the enamel on your teeth stay strong.

Keep Up on Your Dental Cleanings

It’s safe and even a good idea to continue to do your dental cleanings during your pregnancy. This will help keep you safe from any harmful oral bacteria that could affect the health of the baby. Your dentist can also spot any potential issues before they become problems. This is healthier for you and the baby.

We can also give you tips if you have a pregnancy-related dental health problem like pregnancy gingivitis.

A word of advice: Try to get all your dental care out of the way before the third trimester. This way, you’ll be more comfortable.

Avoid X-Rays

We advise against X-rays during pregnancy just to be safe. That’s one reason you should always tell a dentist you are pregnant. We’d only do an X-ray in the case of a severe dental emergency.

Morning Sickness Can Impact Dental Health

Morning sickness can be hard on teeth. The acid in your throw up can lead to bleeding gums, which increases your risk for dental diseases.

But throwing up is a part of pregnancy. When it happens, rinse your mouth with a solution of a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a cup of water. This will help to neutralize the acid and avoid damaging your teeth.

You might try sugar-free chewing gum to help settle your stomach and avoid nausea. Gum also works to salivate your mouth, so it’s good for your oral health.

Don’t Go Overboard on Sugar

We get it — the cravings are real. Still, we strongly suggest you avoid overly sugary foods and beverages. If you’re craving something sweet, stick to fruits like strawberries. Eat a lot of yogurt, which is good for teeth. If you need to eat a few Girl Scout cookies, fine — but just eat a few and let your spouse finish off the box.

Yes, Fluoride is Healthy for You & Your Baby

Fluoride is safe and good for both you and your baby. It remineralizes your teeth and encourages healthy dentin — the protective covering of your teeth. Fluoride is also safe and even healthy for your baby. We suggest using fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses. Drink plenty of tap water (rather than bottled water) because many city water systems contain it.

Gum Disease Can Affect the Health of Your Baby

Unfortunately, changes in your hormone levels during pregnancy increases your risk of periodontal disease — otherwise known as gum disease. Roughly half of all pregnant women develop pregnancy gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that can cause them to be red, puffy or to bleed.

And periodontal disease has been linked to low birth weight and preterm birth rates. Pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely than mothers with healthy gums, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Control Your Risk Factors

The cards may be stacked a little against you, but you can control your risk for periodontal disease by brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing regularly, and seeing a dentist throughout your pregnancy. Rinse with a mouthwash. Talk to your dentist about your dental health.

Poor Dental Health During Pregnancy Affects Your Baby’s Teeth

One reason we strongly recommend keeping up on your dental health and seeing a dentist regularly is the health of your baby’s teeth is also at stake. In fact, the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease are transmitted to newborns during birth and infancy. Good dental health positively impacts healthy teeth in your baby. So yes, continue to brush, floss, and see a dentist regularly. After all, you’re brushing for two.