There is an old wives’ tale out there that going to the dentist is dangerous for women who are pregnant. In the modern world we live in today, this is far from the truth. It is especially important to attend regular cleanings and checkups during this time for a variety of different reasons. If you aren’t already taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits, here are some reasons you should change this.
4 Ways Pregnancy Affects Oral Health
Hormonal Changes
Lots of pregnant women end up with sensitive, swollen, or bleeding gums. This is due to the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. It increases the risk of developing gingivitis, and it can advance into more serious stages of gum disease if you aren’t careful.
Routine Changes
Pregnancy can affect your body and daily routine in many ways. Between fatigue, sleep, interruptions, and general discomfort, many pregnant women find themselves going to sleep earlier than usually. This could make it tempting to skip your evening brushing a flossing.
Eating Habits
Pregnancy symptoms, including cravings, food aversions, and nausea, can make it difficult to eat balanced meals at the same time every day. This can result in additional snacking, eating more sugar, and other changes that can negatively affect the teeth.
Morning Sickness
If you are one of the unlucky people who has morning sickness while pregnant, this can be a risk for your teeth. Vomiting exposes the teeth to acid from the stomach, weakening the enamel and contributing to tooth decay.
How Does Dental Health Affect Your Child?
Research has shown that women who have gum disease may be at increased risk of giving birth prematurely. It’s important that you continue to see your dentist while you are pregnant so any signs of oral health issues can be caught in their tracks and addressed right away.
Are Dental Procedures Safe During Pregnancy?
It is usually considered safe to undergo dental work during pregnancy. However, there are several procedures that your dentist and doctor will likely recommend you put off until after your baby is born. For example, if you need oral surgery that isn’t urgent or needed to maintain your overall health, you should wait. If you need a dental procedure to control or prevent an infection, like a dental filling, crown, or root canal, these are generally safe. Your dentist will use a small amount of anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable. Category B antibiotics may also be necessary to treat infections.
Taking care of yourself is especially important when you are pregnant, and that includes your smile. If you aren’t already taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits, it’s the perfect time to do so!
About the Practice
At Bright Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Praveena Muddana and Dr. Sumit Chanana work together to serve patients in the Brookfield community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything under one roof. If you are pregnant and need dental care, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (262) 563-9100.