Dentist and Pregnancy: The Do’s and Don’ts

One of the most common misconceptions women have during pregnancy is that that you have to halt all medical procedures so as to avoid any harm to your baby. While cosmetic dental treatments should be avoided during pregnancy, this isn’t always the case for other dental treatments, some of which are encouraged during pregnancy. If you would like some professional advice please don’t hesitate to call Hove Dental Clinic your leading dentist in Brighton.

Visit the Dentist Regularly While Pregnant

It is important to visit the dentist regularly while pregnant as some studies have linked pregnancy to higher rates of oral infections such as gum disease. Having regular dental cleanings and annual exams is highly encouraged during pregnancy to help keep your oral health in good condition and avoid any dental emergencies.

Enjoy Dental Treatments During Your Second Trimester

If you’re pregnant, the second trimester is the ideal time to book any treatments and have any dental health work you need done. Dental treatments are recommended during the second trimester because it can be much more difficult to lie on your back later in pregnancy. The third trimester can be exhausting and the size of the baby can make it difficult to withstand any full dental care procedures.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with a Good Diet

Unfortunately, even though your stomach is growing it is not a free pass to eat whatever you want. Maintaining a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy is not only beneficial for your health and the growth of your baby, but it can also keep your teeth healthy. Try to avoid acidic and sugary foods as these can break down your teeth, cause them to weaken and even yellow over time.

Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy

One of the most common questions we get asked regarding pregnancy is whether or not x-rays are safe. The American College of Radiology has confirmed that X-rays are considered safe during pregnancy as long as the proper shielding is in place. However, if you have any questions or concerns, our team at Hove Dental would be more than happy to help put your mind at ease.

Tell Your Dentist If You’re Pregnant

As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, it is essential you tell your dentist on your next visit so that they know to avoid any major procedures or dental work in the first and third trimesters. Knowing about your pregnancy will also help your dentist pay special attention to the health of your gums which can change a lot during the hormone swings that occur during pregnancy. It is also important to alert your dentist of any medications or prenatal vitamins you’re taking during your pregnancy. This allows your dentist to alter your oral treatment plan if need be.

Keep a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine

A consistent oral hygiene routine is especially important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy. It is common for pregnant women to experience extra gum sensitivity and be more prone to gum disease throughout their pregnancies. Maintaining a consistent and healthy oral hygiene routine will help you keep on top of and prevent any problem with your mouth.

Rinse Your Mouth with Water

Morning sickness during pregnancy is not fun for anyone and can cause a lot of dehydration. So, it’s important to keep up your water levels and also use cool water to rinse your mouth out if morning sickness causes you to vomit. Stomach acid from vomit can eat away at your enamel. So, it’s important to rinse your mouth out with water to prevent any damage.

Gum Disease During Pregnancy

It is common for pregnant women to have high chances of gum disease due to the hormonal changes and increased blood flow. There are many studies that have shown that gum disease is a risk factor for delivering low birth weight or premature babies. Therefore, it is more important during pregnancy than ever to keep your mouth healthy and ensure your gums stay healthy.

See Your Dentist If Problems Arise

If you begin to notice any excessive bleeding, swollen or receding gums, loose teeth, overly sensitive teeth, or consistently bad breath, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Some of these problems can be signs of gum disease and visiting your dentist will help manage the problem and keep it under control.

Once You’ve Given Birth, See the Dentist

After giving birth and giving plenty of time to the post-birth recovery, it is important to schedule a dentist appointment. Having a post-pregnancy appointment is even more important if you experienced problems with your gums during pregnancy. Your dentist will recommend any relevant treatments, check over your oral hygiene, and advise you on your oral hygiene care and any improvements you could make.

A Healthy Mouth Helps a Healthy Pregnancy

The takeaway from this article is that having a healthy mouth helps you have a healthy pregnancy. By practising good oral hygiene, eating well, and scheduling regular dentist visits you will maintain good oral hygiene during your pregnancy. The ultimate goal is to maintain your mouths overall health practices and avoid any unnecessary treatments so that you can enjoy a healthy and happy pregnancy.