Pregnancy is a fascinating time, and women will have a lot to do to prepare for the arrival of their new baby. It’s essential to keep up with appointments during this time, including dental visits. Many women question whether they should continue with their dental appointments and wonder if it is safe.
It is most definitely a must for women to attend their dental visits while pregnant because good dental hygiene is part of a healthy lifestyle for both the mother and the baby.
It’s understandable to have questions and concerns because every mom wants to do what is best for the baby. The amount of misinformation that is available can also make things confusing. Still, it cannot be dismissed that pregnant women must visit their dentist regularly and punctually during this time.
Importance of Dental Care during Pregnancy
Hormones change when a woman is pregnant, and certain medications can also increase the risk of periodontal disease and dry mouth. Patients must brush and floss twice daily during pregnancy to prevent cavities and reduce the risk of gum erosion. Vomiting related to severe morning sickness can also cause acid erosion of the teeth, and a dentist will have to monitor your mouth during this time.
Additionally, a baby’s teeth start to develop during the third to sixth month of pregnancy, and pregnant women must monitor their diets to support healthy teeth in their babies. It’s natural for pregnant patients to have difficulty brushing because of a strong gag reflex, which a dentist can help you with by providing you with tips and tricks to make brushing easier.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your gums and cause them to bleed or become more sensitive, swollen or red. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis and can lead to more severe problems and increase the risk for other health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Taking good care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy cannot be emphasized enough. Poor dental health can affect the general oral health of your developing baby, and research does show there may be a link between periodontal disease and having a pre-term or low-birth weight baby. Attending dental visits during pregnancy will help prevent such risks and help you have a safer pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Visit a Dentist at Any Point Throughout a Pregnancy?
Treatment is safe during every trimester, although the second trimester is considered the safest if you require dental treatment. The third trimester is fine, but patients may have difficulty laying back for an extended period. You don’t have to postpone common dental treatments until after pregnancy, and it is not recommended that you delay any treatments you require because there is no risk, and it is perfectly safe to have your teeth cleaned while pregnant.
If you require major dental work, you can wait until after delivery, and the same is true if you are interested in teeth whitening or other cosmetic treatments.
If you require X-rays, you’ll be happy to know that X-rays for diagnosing dental disease during pregnancy are of minimal risk to the developing fetus, and modern digital radiography eliminates concerns related to radiation. It is important to tell your dentist if you are pregnant before your appointment because they may hold off on x-rays until your next appointment. If x-rays are required, the staff will provide you with a special garment or device to shield your pelvis and abdomen from exposure.
If you require antibiotics, your dentist will prescribe safe choices to help prevent or treat a tooth infection, and the same is true if you require pain control after a dental procedure.
Dental Care after the Birth of Your Baby
It is vital to continue with your dental care and your baby’s after childbirth, and you should continue to brush and floss twice a day. Dentists also recommend buying an infant toothbrush and toothpaste without fluoride to keep your baby’s teeth and gums healthy. Avoid putting your baby to sleep with bottles, which can lead to tooth decay.
Most dentists recommend scheduling a baby’s first dentist appointment at six months or when the first tooth erupts. During this appointment, the dentist will check for oral issues that may delay speech.
Slipacoff Dental’s Here for You
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist during your pregnancy? Slipacoff Dental will provide you with all the information you need to put your mind at ease. Pregnant women need to attend their dental appointments, and we will make sure you are comfortable during your visits. We will check your gums and teeth to ensure no problems and closely monitor your mouth during your pregnancy.
We have been serving the Sarnia community for years and offer several dental treatments, including teeth whitening, dental implants and Invisalign.