Congratulations, you’re expecting! You’ve been to see your OB-GYN, so you’re good to go, right? Not exactly. Seeing a dentist during pregnancy is very important, too!
Your dental health is an important part of your overall health. Good oral health habits not only help prevent oral problems during pregnancy, they also affect the health of your unborn child.
One of the things that can affect a woman’s oral health during pregnancy is their desire to eat between meals. Snacking can increase plaque, which increases the susceptibility to tooth decay. It is best for both you and your unborn child to choose nutritious snacks such as fruits and vegetables.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gum (periodontal) disease. Most pregnant women, even with good hygiene, experience red, tender, inflamed gums (gingivitis). Due to the elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, there is an exaggerated inflammatory response to irritants (plaque). Inflamed gums are common from the second to the eighth month of pregnancy. With frequent dental checkups and good oral hygiene, these gum changes reverse after the baby is born. Studies have shown that untreated gum disease can cause complications such as pre-term delivery and low birth weight babies.
It’s important at your checkup to inform your dentist of your pregnancy and which trimester you’re in. It’s best not to have any dental treatment, unless urgent, during the first and second half of the third trimester. Harmful side effects are practically nonexistent with dental x-rays. But it’s also best to wait on any x-rays until after pregnancy.
Just remember to protect yourself and unborn baby. It’s critical that pregnant women pay more attention to their gums!
P.S. We're currently celebrating Dana's second pregancy! Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about pregnancy and your oral health.
