Pregnancy presents a unique set of considerations when it comes to health and dental wellness. Read on to learn about how to care for your teeth and gums before and during pregnancy.
Pre-Pregnancy Dental Care
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, now is a great time to evaluate your oral health habits. Make sure you:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Eat a balanced diet. Limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages, including soda and juice.
- Avoid all tobacco products.
- Start taking a pre-natal vitamin that contains 400-600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid.
Timing Necessary Dental Procedures
When possible, get any necessary restorative procedures done before your pregnancy to reduce your stress and simplify your “to-do” list. However, keep in mind that certain dental treatments, including crowns, are safe during pregnancy. We’ll give you a leaded apron to wear during X-rays, and the local anesthetics used for fillings are safe for baby. But it’s better to get cosmetic dental procedures or wisdom teeth removal out of the way before your pregnancy or wait until after you deliver.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
Are you pregnant? Congratulations! A lot of moms wonder: is it safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy? Not only is it safe, but it is actually very important that you do continue to visit the dentist while pregnant!
Oral Health Concerns During Pregnancy
Many women become more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease during pregnancy. This can be from a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes, increased consumption of carbohydrates, poor oral hygiene, and morning sickness. The gums can become easily irritated by plaque, resulting in a form of mild gum disease called pregnancy gingivitis characterized by bleeding gums, tenderness, swelling, redness, and pain.
What You Can Do
Continue to brush and floss every day at home, eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water. If you suffer from regular vomiting, rinse your mouth with a mixture of one cup of water and one teaspoon baking soda then brush 30 minutes later. This will help protect your teeth from the damaging effects of stomach acid. Additionally, regularly visit us for a professional cleaning. Many pregnant women benefit from cleanings every four months instead of every six months.
Keeping You Safe & Healthy Throughout Your Pregnancy
You deserve a compassionate dentist you can trust. Come to Hillstream Dental, your dentist in St. Clair Shores and Rochester Hills, for dental care that is safe, gentle, family-friendly, and affordable. At your appointment, let us know if you are pregnant or if you might be pregnant, and if you have any questions or concerns.
We would be thrilled to care for you throughout your pregnancy, and for your child after their first birthday! Contact us today to schedule your next checkup and cleaning at Hillstream Dental.
Pregnancy image by Natalia Lavrinenko on Pixabay
