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Prenatal Care and Oral Health
Did you know? Pregnant women who develop gum disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born prematurely, as reported by Colgate. It is believed that the presence of infection and disease in gum tissues results in higher levels of fluids that stimulate labor. In turn, if gum disease advances as pregnancy continues, the risk of early labor also increases. While research is ongoing, dental professionals want you to know—when it comes to prenatal care and oral health, your teeth and gums require greater attention during pregnancy.
Gum tissues are more sensitive during pregnancy, due to increasing hormonal levels. Thus, the build-up of plaque easily irritates gums, causing them to become red and puffy. Many expecting women report that their gums bleed when they brush and floss. This is called pregnancy gingivitis. While nothing can be done to decrease hormone levels, good oral care, including a balanced diet, will help combat the effects of plaque.
Will My Prenatal Dental Visit Be Different?
For many women, visiting the dentist during pregnancy can bring on feelings of anxiousness and even illness. For this reason, dentists recommend scheduling dental checkups during the 4th to 6th month of pregnancy. For most women, the feelings of nausea experienced during the first trimester are over, and they are not far enough along in their pregnancy to feel uncomfortable sitting in a dental chair.
It’s important to understand that there is no evidence to suggest that dental treatments using anesthesia are harmful during pregnancy. Even so, procedures and treatments involving x-rays, anesthesia, pain medications, and/or antibiotics are not usually prescribed during pregnancy, unless they are truly necessary. Thus, women can expect a gentle cleaning and inspection of their gum tissues, along with advice on brushing, flossing, and nutrition.
Gentle, Prenatal Dental Care
Offering a new level of dental care in Fenton, Sugar Creek Family Dental welcomes you to our office, where you’ll find comfortable dentistry in a relaxed environment. If you are pregnant, we understand that this is an exciting and busy time. That’s why we offer convenient and flexible scheduling, as well as gentle, prenatal dental care that will put you at ease. Call today to schedule your appointment.
Posted on behalf of Sugar Creek Family Dental