Dental Care During Pregnancy

Though we always try to avoid x-rays at all costs during pregnancy, sometimes they are necessary for dental emergencies. We know it can be scary during this time, but developments in the technology with digital x-rays has made it so that the radiation exposure during an X-ray is extremely low. On top of this, we at Lakeshore Dental Center take extreme care to make the X-ray as safe as possible for you and your child.

We know the dentist can be an uncomfortable visit at times, but pregnancy is the worst time to be skipping dental appointments. The hormonal changes the pregnancy causes to the body put you at an increased risk of pregnancy gingivitis, a condition where the gums become tender and bleed easily. If you notice any tenderness, swelling, or bleeding in the gums at any time during your pregnancy, please contact us as soon as possible for a checkup.

Right Diet for Your Teeth and Baby

Plan a balanced and healthy meal containing a good source for calcium and other essential minerals like cheese and yogurt. Keep in mind that your baby’s first teeth start developing around 3 months into pregnancy.

It is very common during pregnancy to develop a severe craving for sweet snacks. However, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay.

The body is not the only thing that goes through changes during pregnancy; your mouth is going through quite a bit of change as well! Research shows that periodontal disease can put the pregnancy at risk as well as cause preterm delivery. So, enough emphasis cannot be put to say that it is so very important to have regular dental appointments during the pregnancy so that we can help you have a smooth journey through pregnancy.

More lightly, pregnancy can also cause an increase in cavities due to the increased acidity in the mouth. However, as you may be experiencing cravings, cavities may also be caused due to an increased sugar intake. Thus, preventative dental care is important to avoid this.

You may notice that your teeth may be moving slightly during your pregnancy, however, this does not necessarily increase tooth loss. This is typically a result of loosed ligaments and bones in the mouth as a result of pregnancy. Though this is usually the case, it is always important to get your dentist to look at your teeth if you are experiencing this as it may be a result of a different condition and it is always best to confirm the cause!

When in the third trimester, there is an increase in the level of plaque and bacteria that sticks to the teeth as a result of the body’s inflammatory response to pregnancy. The plaque and bacteria let out toxins that not only can lead to gingivitis, swelling, and bleeding in the gums, but can also lead to infection in the bones and gums. If untreated, when the condition becomes severe it may enter the bloodstream and make you very ill.

Recommended Dental Care During Pregnancy

Even if you are not pregnant, dental cleaning and assessment should be something everyone makes appointments for at least every six months. Aside from it being beneficial to your oral and overall health, poor oral health has also been tied to risk of diabetes, oral osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory infection, and many other illnesses.

Tell both your doctor and dentist if you are pregnant, are trying, or suspect you may be pregnant, and rest assured knowing that most preventative treatments are safe to undergo while pregnant. In fact, by not undergoing preventative care you may be putting yourself at risk of more severe issues, and in some rare cases even preterm delivery.

At home, you can maintain good oral hygiene by doing the following.

• Keep your sugar intake to a minimum
• Floss your teeth daily
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride