Because your mouth may affect your pregnancy, you should make sure you’re seeing your dentist at least for your six month appointments. Rising hormones can cause things such as swollen gums, in turn causing a good trap and leading to an irritation or possibly an infection. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease make sure you are being seen every 3-4 months. It’s been suggested that the risk for premature delivery has been linked to gum disease.
During pregnancy your dentist may recommend extra check ups. Roughly 40% of pregnant women have some dental concerns such as gun infection or untreated tooth decay. Depending on or barrel changes more intensive cleanings may help to wipe away build a plaque and tartar. Some moms to be will develop small red bumps between your teeth called pregnancy tumors. Once again, due to hormonal changes these are an overgrowth of gum tissue, they can be painful and possibly bleed. These bumps typically do go away after childbirth but dental provider is able to remove them if they are bothersome.
When it comes to morning sickness don’t rush to brush afterwards. Having morning sickness will not affect the enamel on your teeth however if you need to neutralize the acid that is left in your mouth rinse with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a cup of water, use a fluoride rinse or chew a sugar-free piece of gum.
A lot of women who are pregnant opt out of having dental work done. It’s better to get the fillings crowns, etc. then she developed an infection from lack of dental care. Infections can induce early labor which is definitely not wanted. Of course do not get cosmetic procedures until after delivery but if it’s something serious try to hold off to your second trimester. Numb and drugs or able to cross the placenta so by waiting as long as possible the medications are less likely to affect any fetal development. Always check with your OB/GYN first. Some pregnant women also opt out of x-rays. Don’t be afraid to get an x-ray if it is need it. If you were in excruciating pain and could possibly need a root canal an x-ray is necessary. The radiation level of dental x-rays are very low and lead aprons help to minimize already low exposure. Again speak with your OB/GYN first.
If one of your teeth feel loose call your doctor. A loose tooth can be an indication that you have a serious infection called periodontitis. This can destroy your gums and bone leaving you with a loose tooth. There are treatments that can be done in order to see the tooth such is scaling the tooth below the gumline. This will remove any tartar and build up from hard-to-reach areas.
With all this being said check with your dental plan too. Some dental insurance will allow extra cleanings during pregnancy! Don’t put off the dentist when you’re pregnant, get your teeth cleaned regularly and make sure any issues or concerns are brought up to your dental provider.
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