There’s a lot to think about during pregnancy. Do you plan to learn the child’s gender prior to the birth? Do you have the crib set up? Have you been keeping up with dental visits?
If the last question threw you, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware of the fact that good oral health is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. The reality is that “Poor oral health is linked with multiple health problems including adverse pregnancy outcomes, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.” It is also important to note that “Oral diseases that start in the mouth can travel through the body, especially in patients whose systems are stressed by chronic disease.”
If you are pregnant, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimize dental problems during your pregnancy.
- Make regular dental appointments so we can work with you to detect any problems early and deal with them immediately.
- Pay attention to your mouth between appointments. If there are changes in your gums, let us know immediately so we can be on the lookout for pregnancy gingivitis, which is characterized by “gums [that] look redder and bleed when [brushing the teeth].” “Pregnancy gingivitis usually can be helped with a professional cleaning.” Keep in mind that “More aggressive treatments, such as periodontal surgery, should be postponed until after delivery.”
- Let us know about any medications, including prenatal vitamins or other medications related to your pregnancy. This is critical because certain medications may have an impact on your baby’s growth and development. In addition, it’s important to keep us posted about any cautions, advice, or suggestions your obstetrician has given you. It will all help us determine the best treatment for you during your pregnancy.
- Tell us about any other issues, including morning sickness. Although it’s completely normal to reach for your toothbrush so you can get the taste out of your mouth, this can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth. We can give you some suggestions, including rinsing with “water mixed with baking soda … to neutralize the stomach acid.”
- Talk to us about any other ways we can help you. If brushing your teeth makes you gag, let us know. We may be able to help you find a toothpaste that would work better for you. You may have questions beyond the pregnancy, as well. If you are wondering about your child’s early teeth or curious about when to begin dental care for your baby, let us know. We’d be happy to discuss these and any other topics with you.
We’re always happy to work with you to help you achieve optimal oral health. We wish you the very best as you prepare for the birth of your child.