Dental Care in Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings a lot of changes in a woman’s life from hormones to body weight. It also increases your risk of certain dental diseases that can threaten you and the health of your unborn baby. That’s why dentists and other health professionals recommended having dental care as part of your prenatal plan.

Why is Dental Care During Pregnancy Important?

Pregnancy may increase the risk of women developing teeth and gum problems. Poor oral health is believed to predispose the fetus to premature birth. Also, having low birth weight may be higher if you have teeth and gum infection.

Why Are Pregnant Women at Risk of Gum Disease?

One of the common dental problems that affect most pregnant women is periodontal disease. Gum disease is an infection affecting the gums and is caused by bacteria. Periodontal disease begins with inflammation and swelling (gingivitis). If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause decay.

Furthermore, you will have gum recession that exposes the root. This causes the root to start decaying. It also destroys the supporting bone. With time, the teeth become weak and create the need for an extraction.

Don’t forget also, that gum disease is linked to heart diseases and other health problems.

Pregnant women are at risk of gum disease for two reasons:

• Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, the hormone levels fluctuate. An increase in estrogen dilates the tiny blood vessels in the gums, increasing blood flow. This, in turn, causes the gums to become sensitive to bacteria. The gums become inflamed, tender, and start to bleed. Also, because of the hormonal imbalance, your body becomes less able to fight bacterial infections in the mouth. It is vital to visit a dentist near you for assessment if you notice bleeding and swollen gums.
• Morning sickness. Most women tend to experience nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. Constant vomiting introduces stomach acid in the mouth that erodes the enamel and makes it prone to decay.

How to Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease?

Preventing gum disease while pregnant is crucial for you and your unborn baby. Here are some tips that can help:

• Manage the morning sickness. Rinse your mouth immediately after vomiting. Try to use an antibacterial mouth wash to remove the bacteria. Change to a bland-testing toothpaste, if the one you have is causing nausea. You can ask our dentist in Manalapan, NJ, to recommend suitable brands.
• Eat right. Nutrition plays a significant role in supporting your baby and also maintaining your health. But, it also affects your oral health. Eat teeth-friendly foods like vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains. Chew on crunchy vegetables and fruits. This helps to get rid of the accumulated plaques. Avoid eating sugary foods that give room for bacteria to fester.
• Get regular dental cleaning. Professional cleaning cannot harm your baby, but it will help to prevent gum disease. It is recommended to visit our Manalapan dentist for an assessment and deep cleaning. This helps to remove any stuck plaques from underneath your gums. Also, it allows for the early detection of dental diseases.
• Use fluoride toothpaste. It is advisable to use fluoride twice daily to keep your teeth healthy. Fluoride strengthens the enamel to be able to resist bacteria and decay. It also reverses moderate dental decay. Visit a dentist’s office near you for more information on fluoride treatments.

Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist While Pregnant?

Yes, visiting a dentist is safe and important. Our dentist will help you improve your dental health during pregnancy.

Before you come to visit the dentist:

• Make sure he knows you are pregnant. This helps us to create a treatment plan that is safe for you and the child.
• Inform the dentist of any changes you may have experienced. Also, provide us with your medical and supplement history.

Routine x-ray is not done, but the dentist may make an exception in case of an emergency.

Although dental work is safe, it is best to delay treatments and routine procedures until after the first trimester.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Faktor DMD for more information on how you can maintain proper dental care during pregnancy.