Keeping yourself healthy during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. Make sure to maintain a good oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to help your baby stay healthy.
Should I have regular visits to the dentist while pregnant?
Regular visits to the dentist will help you keep up a good oral hygiene routine and help your dentist deal with any issues before they become serious concerns. You will experience hormonal changes while pregnant which may result in gums bleeding more easily. The gums may become swollen or sore, which makes it even more important to keep your teeth and gums clean and have regular visits with your dentist.
How safe is it to have dental treatments while pregnant?
It is safe to go for your routine visits with your dentist. There are some guidelines that recommend putting off the removal of old amalgam fillings during pregnancy, and putting new ones in. Discuss these issues with your dentist about other types of fillings that may be a better option.
Should I have dental x-rays during my pregnancy?
Dentists recommend waiting to have x-rays done until after your pregnancy if possible. For treatments like a root canal, you may have to have an x-ray.
Does pregnancy actually cause dental problems?
You will not have tooth decay or gum disease because you are pregnant. Myths about having tooth problems due to less calcium, or losing a tooth every time you are pregnant, simply are not true.
How will drinking and smoking impact the health of my teeth and my pregnancy?
Drinking and smoking may lead to having an underweight baby and cause dental health issues for your unborn baby. If your baby is underweight when he or she is born the tooth enamel may not form correctly, which may lead to dental erosion. This may also have an impact on your baby’s adult teeth, since they are already forming in their jaws, below the baby teeth.
Should I be careful about my diet while pregnant?
To help your baby develop healthy teeth, eat foods high in calcium to produce strong bones and teeth. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are high in calcium. If you experience morning sickness, eat smaller and more frequent meals, to help avoid getting sick. If you are frequently sick, rinse your mouth with water to wash away acid that will erode your tooth enamel. Avoid sugary and acidic food and drinks between meals to help prevent tooth decay.
If you have any questions or concerns while pregnant, please do not hesitate to ask Dr. Melchers or his staff. We are here to address any of your dental health issues and decide the best course of treatment for our patients. Contact us today at info@oldmtpleasantdentistry.com to see how we can best meet your dental care needs.
