Pregnancy And Oral Health Care
This is going to be a very busy time for you but does not neglect your oral health care. During your first trimester, the earlier the better, make an appointment to see the dentist. Get a cleaning, and speak to the dental hygienist and the dentist about any concerns that you have.
Continue to brush and floss as usual, ask the dentist about using fluoride toothpaste during your pregnancy. Have all tooth decay (caries, cavities) issues addressed with fillings, early on in your pregnancy so you can focus on your maternity health.
You and your dentist can come up with an oral health care plan for the next 9 months to ensure you get through your pregnancy with a happy, healthy smile.
First a Myth: The Baby Takes Calcium From your Teeth
The baby does take calcium from your body, but it comes from your bones, not your teeth, or your tooth enamel, and there is plenty to go around. You should not expect any bone loss due to pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is the increase in hormones that affect your teeth and gums, just like they affect every other area of your body. Again, good oral care can help to offset any of the threats.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
One of the most common oral health problems during pregnancy is something called pregnancy gingivitis. The surge in hormones can affect the way your gums react to plaque and tartar. Gum tissue can become inflamed, red, you can suffer from bleeding gums when you brush your teeth and all the symptoms of gum disease, but there are ways to offset the problem.
Most women will suffer from some sort of gum inflammation when they are pregnant. At Friendly Dentistry we provide the treatments that help to keep the condition under control. Swollen gums can be painful and an invitation to bacteria. Food particles can get stuck in the pockets that form. Left untreated the condition can progress to periodontitis. With regular check-ups, you can have healthy gums while you are pregnant.