08
Oct
Boise Dental Care & Pregnancy
Welcoming a new baby into your family is something to celebrate. Even more, pregnancy can be an exciting time in a woman’s life. Between doctor’s appointments, late-night cravings, and preparing for your little one, however, it can be easy to forget about your Boise dental health. Moreover, pregnancy is a critical time that can significantly impact you and your baby’s well-being.
At Summit Dental, we offer a wide-variety of general dentistry services to help expectant mothers maintain the health of their teeth and gums. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following information for maintaining your oral health during these pivotal months.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Dental Health
Expectant mothers are more vulnerable to cavities. In fact, you are more likely to suffer from this Boise dental problem because:
- Morning sickness affects more than half of all pregnant women. This involves nausea, vomiting, and heartburn which can expose teeth to harmful acids that erode your tooth enamel, leading to decay.
- Higher than normal hormones. Heightened levels of estrogen have been linked to an increase in cavities.
- Pregnant women often experience dry mouth. Without an adequate amount of saliva to rinse away bacteria and food, it makes pregnant women more susceptible to cavities.
- Diet changes. While you may end up craving a chocolate milkshake at night, these cravings may not be the healthiest for your teeth. Starchy, sugary or acidic foods can fuel decay-causing bacteria that eats away at your teeth.
Given an increased risk for decy, maintaining proper oral hygiene is more important than ever during pregnancy. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, brush your teeth 2x daily, and visit your Boise dentist for routine cleanings and exams.
The Importance of Boise Dental Check-Ups
The dentists at Summit Dental Group, strongly encourage pregnant women in the Treasure Valley to take a proactive approach to their dental care. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, it’s just as important to keep your biannual appointments at our practice. During these visits, your Boise dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of trouble so they can be treated before they worsen. We’ll also perform a thorough teeth cleaning to remove any built up plaque and tartar.
Summit Dental Group
Practicing good dental care is very important during pregnancy. To learn more about what you can do to benefit your teeth, gum, and overall health while expecting, contact us at (208) 314-2275 to schedule an appointment.