Pregnancy & Dental Care

Pregnancy & Dental Care

Pregnancy & Dental Care

When you?re expecting a baby, it can feel like there are a million things on your ever-growing to-do list. In between decorating the nursery, doctors? visits and baby showers, it can be hard to fit in appointments to the dentist, too! However, it?s important to ensure that dental care is a high priority, even during this busy time.   

While there are a lot of misconceptions about dentistry work during pregnancy, both The American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology highly recommend maintaining your oral healthy during pregnancy.

Aharon Hagai D.M.D. authored a study on pregnancy and dental care and says that, ?it is a crucial period of time in a woman?s life and maintaining oral health is directly related to good overall health.?

Below are three reasons why you should still keep up regularly with your dental exams when you?re expecting:

  1. Morning Sickness

More than 50% of women experience morning sickness during their pregnancy. And for a lot of women, this morning sickness can (unfortunately) be coupled with vomiting.

Frequent vomiting has been known to erode your tooth enamel, especially on your front teeth. This in turn increases your risk for tooth decay and can also make your teeth much more sensitive. If you?re experiencing morning sickness, be sure to make an appointment at our office. We can provide a fluoride treatment and monitor for any decay before it occurs!

  1. Hormone Changes

During pregnancy, your hormones are constantly changing, which makes your gums much more sensitive. By virtue of this, you are far more likely to develop gingivitis. Gingivitis, in turn, can lead to a whole slew of other problems, from abscesses to periodontitis and even trench month. The best way to prevent gingivitis is with regular cleanings!

  1. Preventing Pre-term Labor

Speaking of gum disease, did you know that periodontitis can lead to pre-term labor? The bacteria that causes periodontitis can also cause uterine contractions, as well as cause cervical thinning and dilation. In the end, healthy gums not only affect you, but your baby as well!

While x-rays and other procedures aren?t recommended during pregnancy, that does not mean that you should avoid your dentist all-together! Before your new bundle of joy arrives, give Krengel Dental a call ( 952-888-1311) for an exam.