With all of the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy, those changes can affect your oral hygiene as well. Regular checkups to your dentist can help prevent and detect many diseases. While pregnant, regular checkups to your dentist are even more crucial to the safety of both you and your unborn child.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Dental Health
While visiting your dentist, make sure to tell him or her that you are pregnant. When pregnant, hormonal changes put you at an increased risk for both periodontal disease and pregnancy gingivitis- a condition that causes gums to become tender and bleed easily. If tenderness, bleeding or swelling occurs in your gums at any time, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Unless it is an emergency, avoid getting X-Rays and other dental procedures while pregnant. Try and plan your regular dental visits during your second trimester, because your baby is most vulnerable during the first and third trimesters. Make sure if you do see a dentist during your pregnancy that you talk to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to provide you with documentation for your dentist outlining what they can and cannot do, and what medication you can be prescribed if needed.
How To Care For Your Mouth During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, staying in your normal routine can be a bit of a challenge. To maintain a healthy dental routine while pregnant, make sure to:
- Brush Regularly
- Floss Daily
- Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash
- Maintain A Healthy Diet
- Continue Regular Dental Checkups (Usually Every Six Months)
Many women experience dry mouth at some point during their pregnancy due to hormonal changes in their body. Dry mouth can increase the risk of many other dental problems. Staying hydrated and chewing sugar free gum can help avoid this.
Visit Your Royal Oak Family Dental Office Today!
Come to the Royal Oak dentist office that has you and your family’s needs in mind. At Duffield Dentistry, we will make your visit to the dentist stress free and relaxing-exactly what you need while pregnant! Your smile and future child is in good hands with Royal Oak family dentist, Dr. Larry Duffield, who has been working as a family dentist for many years and is experienced in a wide range of dental services. Call 877-630-7410 today to schedule your appointment!
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