All About Dental Care and Pregnancy - Dentists Information - Dental Health, Care and Treatment
All About Dental Care and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, you are more likely to have problems with your teeth or gums. If you have an infection in your teeth or gums, the chance of your baby being premature (born early) or having low birth weight may be slightly higher than if your teeth and gums are healthy.
It’s important to continue to see your dentist during pregnancy for oral examinations and professional teeth cleanings. Make sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant and about any changes you have noticed in your oral health. Good daily care is vital. That means always brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day, eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks.
Tell your dentist (and doctor) if you are pregnant. As a precautionary measure, dental treatments during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester should be avoided as much as possible, except in the case of an emergency. These are critical times in the baby's growth and development and it's simply wise to avoid exposing the mother to procedures that could in any way influence the baby's growth and development. However, routine dental care can be received during the second trimester. All elective dental procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.
Try to make a dental appointment before getting pregnant. That way, your teeth can be professionally cleaned, your gum tissue can be carefully examined, and any oral health problems can be treated in advance of your pregnancy. Yes, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist when you’re pregnant. This is because the hormones circulating in your body can affect your gums.
Don't skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you are pregnant. Now more than any other time, regular periodontal (gum) exams are very important, because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for periodontal disease and for tender gums that bleed easily – a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, talk with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
Dental care is free from the time your pregnancy is confirmed right through to your child's first birthday. This means that you don't have to worry about the cost of any dental treatment you may need. To get this free care, you will need to apply for your maternity exemption certificate, so ask your doctor, midwife or health visitor for the right form.