Oral Health During Pregnancy

MAKING SURE YOU AND YOUR BABY ARE HEALTHY THROUGH DENTAL CARE
Congratulations! There is so much to consider to help your child grow during your pregnancy. One important thing that you can do to help your child is to make sure your gums and teeth are healthy throughout your pregnancy. You are at greater risk for developing gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease), which is related to low birth weight and a premature birth. But there’s a great deal you can do in order to keep your mouth healthy, like visiting your dentist in Charlotte, NC to get an examination and cleaning. At DentalWorks – Charlotte, our seasoned staff works with women to improve their dental health and cope with common dental issues during pregnancy. Keep reading to find out about the ways pregnancy might influence your oral health and what you can do to keep your baby healthy throughout this time.

THE MOST COMMON DENTAL CONCERNS DURING PREGNANCY

• DRY MOUTH
  One frequent complaint with women during pregnancy is dry mouth. This can make it easier for cavities to develop since there’s less saliva to wash bacteria away. On the other hand, a few women find they have excessive saliva throughout their pregnancy.
• MORNING SICKNESS
  Along with being an unpleasant symptom of pregnancy, nausea could be an issue for your own teeth. The acid in your stomach can damage your teeth. Following a wave of morning sickness be certain to rinse using a mouthwash or brush.
• PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS
  The risk for getting gum disease grows when you become pregnant. Your gums can be darker, extra sensitive, swollen, and bleed easier when you floss and brush. The higher levels of hormones make it easier for the germs that leads to gingivitis to thrive in your mouth.
• SENSITIVE TEETH
  Due to hormones and an increase in your blood circulation during pregnancy, your teeth might feel a little sensitive. You might have a sharp pain if you enjoy foods that are particularly cold or hot.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH WHEN YOU’RE PREGNANT

• FLOSS EVERY DAY
  While you should have been flossing before you got pregnant, it’s particularly important to do it now. Flossing once daily removes debris and bacteria that can be stuck in your teeth. Flossing makes it easier to prevent cavities and keeps your gums healthy.
• VISIT YOUR DENTIST
  Continue seeing a dentist in Charlotte, NC for dental examinations and cleanings. Make sure you inform your dental staff that you’re pregnant, or once your baby is born, if you’re breastfeeding. They’ll take extra precautions with digital x-rays along with other procedures to be certain they’re safe for you and your baby. Your dentist may also suggest products, such as mouthwash or a specific toothpaste, which can help improve your dental health and relive issues, like dry mouth and gum inflammation.
• A BALANCED, NUTRITIOUS DIET
  While it can be tough to fight cravings, do your best to follow a healthy, balanced diet. Your child’s teeth will start to form during months three through six, therefore this is a good time to increase your consumption of calcium and protein in addition to vitamins A, C, and D. If you do enjoy a sugary treat (occasionally the baby makes you!), clean your teeth by brushing or using mouthwash.
• TWICE DAILY BRUSHING
  Keep your teeth healthy between professional cleanings by brushing at home at least two times a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Your dentist may suggest a soft-bristled toothbrush when you are pregnant so that you may gently brush your teeth and gums. Ask your dental team to show you the correct brushing technique in your visits to be certain that you’re brushing correctly.
• STAY HYDRATED
  Treat dry mouth and wash germs from your mouth by drinking water throughout the day. If your tap water is fluoridated (ask your town how much fluoride is added to your water) this will assist in improving your oral health.

PROCEDURES DURING PREGNANCY
Should you have to get a treatment during your pregnancy, such as a filling or a treatment for gum disease, your dentist can help you determine if this may be safely done. In general, dental treatments with numbing cream are ideally performed in the second trimester (between weeks 13 and 21). Any treatments that need sedation (nitrous oxide gas or oral-conscious medication) ought to be delayed. Preventing treatments is one important reason to take great care of your dental health at home.

BABY’S FIRST VISIT TO THE DENTIST
As soon as your child is born, be certain you continue taking good care of your dental health by flossing and brushing daily. At your next trip to a dentist, inquire about making your child’s first appointment. Your child should go to the dentist prior to their first birthday. This helps your dentist track your kid’s dental health and the growth of the teeth. Your dentist may also help you with concerns regarding how thumb-sucking impacts your kid’s mouth, bottle rot, as well as other common issues. At DentalWorks – Charlotte, our compassionate staff will ensure that your kid has a positive initial experience with the dentist to set them up for a life of good dental health.

KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR BABY HEALTHY WITH GREAT ORAL HEALTH DURING YOUR PREGNANCY
Taking care of your dental health during pregnancy will reduce your distress throughout this frequently uncomfortable time and help your baby grow strong and healthy. If you are thinking about starting a family or you’re already pregnant, make an appointment for an oral health examination with your dentist in Charlotte, NC to discover ways to improve or take care of the health of your gums and teeth during pregnancy. DentalWorks – Charlotte provides compassionate care during your pregnancy and also a good experience for your entire household after your baby is born.