Pregnancy Tips: Dental Care for Healthy Moms & Babies
Are you pregnant? Congratulations! Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay up on your dental health. It can affect not only your own health, but the health of your baby.
Did you know pregnancy can make you more susceptible to dental health issues? Your body produces hormones that can increase your chances of gingivitis, cause loose teeth, and periodontal disease. You may experience oral pregnancy tumors, which are benign but problematic growths on the gums. Elevated hormones or injuries can cause your gums to overreact to plaque and tissue repair, resulting in inflammation. Often, pregnancy tumors go away on their own following birth, but they may need to be removed surgically.
It’s a good idea to have a thorough teeth cleaning, ideally before pregnancy or early in a pregnancy. This limits harmful bacteria in the mouth that could affect the fetus.
What To Look Out For
Usually, pregnancy tumors and other dental issues stemming from pregnancy resolve after delivery, but you shouldn’t wait it out. Call your family dentist if you notice the following:
- Red, swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Open sores
- Painful mouth and gums
- Large growths on gums
Let Us Know!
Always tell us if you are pregnant or anticipate pregnancy. Routine and urgent dental work can be done while you’re pregnant, but any elective work should wait until after the pregnancy to ensure you and your baby’s safety. We will also be extra careful about the medications we prescribe and any effects they may have.
Tell your dentist about any specific medical advice given to you by your doctor. This may affect the approach to treatment.
If you are trying to become pregnant, it’s a good idea to get caught up on any dental work. This includes tooth cleanings, gum work, and a checkup. Dental work before pregnancy can help reduce the risk of premature birth.
X-Rays are Safe
Don’t worry about x-ray exams during pregnancy. Though the procedure used to be considered risky, modern dental x-rays are very safe. The dentist will use a shield guard on your abdomen and thyroid to protect the baby.
The Importance of Regular Dental Care
Follow up on good oral hygiene while pregnant. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and drink plenty of water.
That bears repeating: don’t skip the floss! When you’re pregnant, you face an increased risk of gingivitis, a type of gum disease, and this can have negative effects on your baby’s health. Flossing once a day helps remove the germs and bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease. It reaches areas of your mouth that brushing cannot. It’s important not only for your health, but for the health of your baby.
More Tips
If you experience morning sickness or throw up, always thoroughly rinse your mouth with water. The bile can damage your enamel and allow cavities and other problems to take hold. It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water between meals to rid your mouth of food particles and reduce acid. Limiting sweets is a good idea to help protect your teeth and gums. Lastly, be sure to eat a diet rich in calcium to bolster your own stores and for your baby’s developing bones and teeth. Try oatmeal, tofu, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, nuts, dark leafy greens, or oranges for some healthy choices.