Reminder: Dental Care During Pregnancy
Are you worried about seeing the dentist while you’re pregnant?
According to the American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you can relax. Both agree that oral health care during pregnancy is not only safe, but delaying treatment could be bad for you.
Pregnancy can trigger all sorts of health related issues including things in your mouth.
Hormonal changes can increase inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. Signs of gingivitis can include swelling and bleeding. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis or gum disease which is an infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone that supports your teeth.
A little extra effort in caring for your teeth may help. Be sure to brush twice a day for 2 minutes with toothpaste that has fluoride and clean between your teeth once per day.
Another issue that may arise during pregnancy is dental erosion. Dental erosion is the loss of the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can happen when your teeth are repeatedly exposed to acid. Symptoms of morning sickness may put you at risk of developing dental erosion. To help prevent dental erosion, rinse your mouth after vomiting with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in 1 cup of water. Do not brush your teeth right away! The rinse will help stop the acid from attacking your teeth, and time will allow the enamel on your teeth to harden. You can brush after about one hour.
You might also wonder about x-rays and when it would be safest to see the dentist during pregnancy.
Dental x-rays are considered to be safe during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that a protective apron cover your throat and abdomen during x-rays.
As far as treatment, it is safe throughout your entire pregnancy, but you may be most comfortable during your second trimester. Nausea and vomiting could be a problem during the first trimester, and during the third trimester, you may be uncomfortable when the chair is reclined because of the weight of the baby. Be sure to let your dentist know if you are uncomfortable during treatment, and he or she can help you change positions.
While you anxiously await the arrival of your new little bundle of joy, be sure to keep your mouth healthy by visiting your dentist regularly.
http://jada.ada.org November 2018
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