What You Need to Know About Pregnancy and Your Dental Health
Pregnancy causes major changes in your entire body, and your mouth is not excluded. During pregnancy, it’s especially important to continue visiting your Frederick family dentist for checkups and monitoring of your oral health.
Importance of Dental Health
Your dental health can affect the rest of your body, as infections of the gums or teeth can enter the bloodstream and cause health problems for you and your baby. Gum disease in pregnant women can cause low birth weights or premature birth, which in turn can lead to increased risk of developmental problems. Visiting your dentist for cleanings and checkups will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy—and so is your body and your baby.
Pregnancy and Dental Health Issues
Pregnancy puts you at heightened risk for a number of serious oral health conditions, including gum disease and tooth decay.
- The hormonal changes women undergo during pregnancy sometimes leave them open to infection and gum disease such as gingivitis. In addition, pre-existing gum disease can become worse during pregnancy, so it’s important to schedule a checkup with your family dentist to detect and treat any gum conditions as soon as possible. You should also have a dental checkup soon after birth, especially if you experienced gum problems during your pregnancy.
- Tooth decay is also common in pregnant women for many reasons, including a heightened sugar intake because they may crave sugary foods and damage caused by stomach acid due to morning sickness and vomiting. It’s important to continue with your regular daily oral care routine, and talk to your dentist if you are experiencing an enhanced gag reflex or retching while brushing your teeth.
Because of the changes pregnancy causes in your body, be sure to maintain regular dental checkups with your family dentist at Premiere Dental Arts. We are devoted to the dental health of you and your family, providing state-of-the-art restorative procedures for healthy and beautiful smiles. If you have any questions, call us today at (240) 215-3510.
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