Moms and moms-to-be know it well: pregnancy causes tons of changes to the body, and changes to the way you treat your body. With a baby on the way, you’ll want to do all that you can to keep your body healthy, and to ensure your baby’s health. In this blog post, we’ll explore pregnancy oral care.
Be Prepared
If you’re thinking of getting pregnant, make sure you’re keeping up with your bi-annual dental exams and getting any required work done. Everyone should be doing this, regardless of their desire to become pregnant, but it’s especially important that certain procedures are done before pregnancy.
Visiting the Dentist
Pregnancy shouldn’t be an excuse to stop going to the dentist for your regular check up. It’s important that you visit your dentist during your pregnancy for your regular cleaning and exam. Your dentist will be able to clean your teeth and fill any cavities you may have, though larger procedures will need to wait until after the birth. No matter where you are in your pregnancy, if you have an appointment, do let your dentist know that you are pregnant, how far along you are, and any related concerns.
What to Watch Out For
As we said, pregnancy changes the body in numerous ways. Pregnant women are at increased risk for certain dental issues:
Pregnancy Gingivitis.
Some pregnant women are found to be more susceptible to gum disease while pregnant. This will cause pain and swelling in the gums, often accompanied by bleeding, especially when flossing.Cavities.
Pregnant women often have a higher risk for developing cavities, due to change in diet and the prevalence of morning sickness.“Pregnancy Tumors.”
In some instances, pregnant women experience an overgrowth of skin on the gums. Known as tumors, these aren’t actually malignant, but a swelling of tissue between the teeth. They usually disappear after pregnancy, but your dentist can address them if they are of concern.
Fantastic Care for New Moms at Hillstream Dental
The best way to ensure that you don’t run into the issues above, and that your dental health doesn’t get in the way of a smooth and healthy pregnancy, is to stick to your oral health routine–and that includes maintaining your regular visits to our office. If you don’t have your next visit scheduled, give us a call today!
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