Dental Health During Pregnancy

Many of you have been asking about how Rio and her baby are doing…They are awesome! We all had a chance to meet her little guy last week and he is absolutely precious.  Congratulations Rio and Isaac on your new little man Talan!

This is a great way to transition into the topic of dental health before, during and after pregnancy. Did you know that pregnancy can cause changes in your oral health even in the healthiest women? That’s why it is so important to go to the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. We have heard so many myths about dental care while pregnant such as:

1. It’s unsafe to see the dentist while pregnant.
2. You lose a tooth with every pregnancy.
3. Babies take all the calcium from your teeth.

 

We would like to set the record straight. Below are a few obvious and not so obvious tips about how to care for your teeth when pregnant.

Before:

• Visit your dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
• Changes in hormones from pregnancy can make your teeth and gums extra sensitive.

First Trimester:

• Continue to brush twice a day and floss once a day.
• Check your dental insurance to see if you receive additional cleanings. Some insurances will cover 3 or 4 cleanings during your pregnancy.
• Changes in your hormone levels can cause puffy gums and inflammation. This is called Pregnancy Gingivitis.
• Avoid brushing your teeth after morning sickness and instead opt for rinsing your mouth out frequently with water or salt water. This will help reduce the acid from harming your teeth enamel.

Second Trimester:

• Stop whitening(bleaching) your teeth while pregnant.
• Sometimes women may get small temporary growths in their mouth while pregnant.

Third Trimester:

• Avoid dental treatments during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy.
• Be diligent with your home care – brushing and flossing.

Nursing/Post-Partum:

• X-rays, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide are all safe while breastfeeding.
• Start brushing your baby’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and water when they come in to avoid “baby bottle tooth decay.”