In Dental Care
Whether you are trying to get pregnant, have just learned that you are, or are holding your new born as you read, it is an exciting time. With everything that comes with pregnancy, you have likely overlooked the importance that a dentist will play in the months to come, but dental care is absolutely paramount before, during, and after pregnancy because of the hormone fluctuations that you will face.
Are Your Trying to Get Pregnant? Now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Due to the hormones of pregnancy, your teeth and gums will be at greater risk while carrying your child. This pre-pregnancy appointment can be used to find, discuss, and treat any problems that may exist and can put you at an advantage during the next nine months.
Pregnant Already? Of course, there are several calls that are going to be made in the hours, days, and weeks after learning that you are pregnant, but one of those should be placed to your dentist. During the first and third trimesters, many dental procedures are avoided in order to prevent any risk to the unborn child. The growth and development of the baby, after all, is paramount during those nine months. That doesn’t mean, however, that the teeth should be neglected during pregnancy. Just the opposite is true, in fact. Regular oral hygiene routines should be followed and the dentist can be seen during the pregnancy for normal maintenance and cleaning. Hormone levels, as mentioned above, can put you at increased risk of certain dental problems, such as decay and gum disease. If you note changes in your teeth or gums, discuss them with your dentist as soon as possible, so a small issue doesn’t become something much larger.
It is important to discuss medications with the dentist as well. This includes prenatal vitamins that will likely be prescribed during your first trimester. If you doctor has given you any specific medical advice to abide by during the pregnancy, discuss those matters with your dental team as well. The reason for this is because certain medications can actually impact the development of your child’s teeth while still in the womb.
Dental Procedures to Avoid During Pregnancy There are many reasons why your dentist should be aware of the pregnancy, including the fact that many procedures can be risky to the fetus inside you. For instance, dental x-rays should not be performed during pregnancy, unless absolutely necessary due to an emergency situation.
Post-Partum? The dental routine after pregnancy can return to normal. If there were procedures put off during the nine month incubation, then now is the time to schedule an appointment. This may include a new set of x-rays, dental surgery, or even a simple filling. Regardless, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible, so your oral hygiene remains on track. Similarly, if problems did arise while carrying your child, then regular visits with the dentist may become more frequent until everyone is sure that the issue has been resolved.