14
Apr
Dental Care During Pregnancy
At Summit Dental Group, your Boise dentist understands how exciting it is to anticipate the arrival of a new baby. However, pregnancy is also an important time to focus on your well-being, which includes your oral health. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following information concerning dental care during pregnancy.
Visiting Your Boise Dentist
When pregnant, it’s important to visit your Boise dentist. Why? Good oral hygiene is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. In fact, treatment during any trimester is safe. There isn’t any reason to postpone any common dental treatments until after pregnancy. Not only does this keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it will also ensure the overall health of your body and baby.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Teeth & Gums
Pregnancy can affect your oral health due to the following problems.
Gingivitis
Nearly 50% of pregnant women experience gingivitis. This condition is an inflammatory response due to plaque build-up that causes your gums to swell. That’s why dental care and regular cleanings during pregnancy are so important to safeguard the health of your gums.
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion may occur if you experience vomit-inducing morning sickness or acid reflux. That’s why it’s important to rinse your mouth with water to remove as much of this acid as possible when you experience these symptoms. You should also wait at least 30 minutes after rinsing before brushing your teeth to reduce further erosion.
Tooth Mobility
During pregnancy, some women experience loose teeth. After a baby is born, however, teeth will tighten back up. That’s why you shouldn’t worry about any tooth loss unless you have an underlying condition prior to your pregnancy.
Cavities
Pregnancy can increase the development of cavities due to an increase in food cravings, hormone changes, and more. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to your Boise dentist will help reduce this risk.
X-Rays & Pregnancy
Having dental X-rays taken during pregnancy is completely safe. However, your Boise dentist may recommend putting them off unless they are necessary for treatment. If you do need an X-ray, a protective lead apron will be placed over your abdomen to protect your unborn baby.
At-Home Care
At Summit Dental, your Boise dentist recommends the following home-care routine to maintain optimal oral health during pregnancy.
- Rinse your mouth often. This is especially important for those who suffer from vomiting and acid reflux. It’s also helpful for those who eat plenty of sugary snacks throughout the day.
- Brush and floss daily. Doing so will help to prevent cavities and gingivitis while keeping your mouth healthy and clean.
- Eat nutritious foods to maintain a balanced diet. This will keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.
Summit Dental Group
Never skip a routine Boise dental visit during pregnancy. If you have any questions related to your dental health, simply fill out our online form or give us a call at (208) 314-2275 to schedule an appointment. At Summit Dental Group, we look forward to caring for your teeth and gums to ensure a healthy pregnancy.