20.11.2019

Why taking care of your teeth during pregnancy is so important

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease. This can in turn affect the health of your baby. Thus, taking care of your teeth and gums while pregnant really is important.

If you’re pregnant, tell your dentist. It’s perfectly fine to do routine dental care and even emergency procedures at any time during your pregnancy. However, all elective dental procedures should be postponed until after delivery. Before the appointment, talk to your obstetrician to see if there are any instructions for you to follow.

Tell your dentist about all the drugs you are taking, including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by the doctor. Your dentist may need to alter your treatment based on the information you provide.

It is safe to do dental X-rays during pregnancy. Your dentist knows exactly how to protect you and your baby. Advanced technology has made X-rays much safer today than they were in the past decades.

Make sure you don’t skip your dental check-ups just because you’re pregnant. Especially regular gum exams are important at this point due to the hormonal changes mentioned. Tender gums bleed easily and you may be at a higher risk of periodontitis. If tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling appears, talk to your dentist as soon as possible.

If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, use a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Rinse your mouth out with water regularly.

Although you might feel intense sweet cravings, avoid sugary snacks for the sake of your teeth. Rather, focus on a healthy and balanced diet. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are good for baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.

That’s it. If you’re expecting a child, first of all, congratulations. And second of all, do get in touch.