Going To The Dentist While Pregnant – What Do You Need To Know?

Pregnancy is characterized by hormonal changes, which affect your whole body including your teeth. Besides dental decay, there is a whole range of dental and gum problems that pregnant women may experience. There are a lot of myths about visiting the dentist during pregnancy. What should you know about oral health and dentistry during those magical nine months?

• There is no reason not to get fillings during pregnancy, but you should avoid amalgam fillings and dental x-rays. Ideally, women who are contemplating how to get pregnant  should get a dental check-up and any drilling and filling done before they conceive. But if you have cavities while you are pregnant, getting them filled is safe.
• Pregnancy gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that often causes bleeding, is very common during pregnancy. It is caused by elevated levels of the hormone progesterone, and will resolve itself after your baby is born.
• Periodontal disease is a serious problem for anyone, as it is hard to resolve even with surgical methods. Caused by a bacterial infection, periodontal disease can cause receding gums and even loss of parts of the jaw bones and teeth. In pregnancy, this condition can also lead to premature labor, so it is very important to take it seriously.
• See a dentist specialized in dental care for pregnant women if you can.
• If a dental operation requires you to take antibiotics, make sure that they are safe for use during pregnancy. Check with your pharmacy as well as the dentist, as some dentists are not sure what is and is not safe for expectant mothers.
• If your early pregnancy signs include morning sickness and frequent vomiting, this can harm your tooth enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable. Make sure to brush more frequently during this time, and consider using xylitol to encourage remineralization.
• Many pregnant women have a dry mouth. Saliva plays a key role in keeping the teeth healthy, so chewing gum (without sugar, and with xylitol if possible) can help keep your teeth in good condition.
• A balanced and healthy diet keeps your baby and body healthy, but it also promotes dental wellbeing. Don’t forget to keep up your calcium, protein and vitamin intake.

Olivia’s blog, Trying To Conceive, is dedicated to fertility, pregnancy, and babies. Women who are hoping to get pregnant can find out when they are most likely to be fertile with the free ovulation calendar on her site. Image by ~*Gillian*~