Pregnancy can sure be rough! Your body is changing in all sorts of fun (and not so fun) ways.
And your mouth changes too. Pregnancy increases your risks of developing oral diseases like
gum disease and cavities because of the physiological, dietary, and hormonal changes that are
happening.
Did you know that if you're having problems with your teeth or gums while you're pregnant, that
it can increase the risk that your unborn child will have cavities? So your oral health routines
before, during, and after pregnancy, will affect your child's oral health
A lot of women worry that it's not safe to go to the dentist while they are pregnant. Let me assure
that it is safe and important, especially during this time that your body is changing so much! Go
get your teeth cleaned, exams done, and ask questions if you have concerns about any changes
occurring in your mouth. And it is safe to have x-rays taken; just make sure that a lead apron is
used that covers your neck (to protect your thyroid) and your belly (to protect that sweet little
baby). You can also have routine and emergency procedures done safely like fillings and
extractions. It's actually more important to treat these urgent needs than to let them alone as we
don't want the bacteria that cause tooth problems to cause infections and get into your
bloodstream.
There is one caveat ... as your pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, it will be more
difficult to lay on your back for long periods of time. For this reason, if you do need to get any
fillings or other work (besides exams and cleanings) you should try to schedule them in your
second trimester.
We believe that it's so important for women to receive dental care during pregnancy for their
overall health and their oral health, and for their children's oral health. Taking care of your mouth
now helps you take care of your baby's mouth in the future, greatly reducing oral diseases in
children! We know that if we can keep infants and toddler's mouths cavity free, they are much
less likely to ever get cavities as they grow older.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us!