Your Dentist in Westminster is Ready to Help Pregnant Patients!

If you’re pregnant or intend on becoming pregnant, you may be wondering how that will affect your upcoming medical appointments. The good news is you don’t have to worry about asking your dentist in Westminster questions regarding your upcoming dental cleaning or exam, even if you are pregnant. In fact, your dentist recommends you come in more often during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can influence your oral health overall.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health

With pregnancy comes many changes in your body’s chemistry, and your mouth is no exception. Since your body will be experiencing many dramatic changes in your hormones, your risk of developing gum disease actually goes up. A common condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis” can develop anywhere between the second and eighth month of pregnancy.

Fluctuating hormones make your gums more easily irritated by dental plaque, causing them to become tender, red, swollen, and more likely to bleed. Furthermore, morning sickness will regularly expose your teeth to stomach acids, causing damage to your enamel if you brush too soon.

Let’s go over what your dental care should look like during your pregnancy.

How Your Dentist Can Help

One of the most common questions your dentist hears from pregnant patients is “Can I receive dental care while pregnant?” The answer is absolutely! Of course, treatments you receive should only be done if they help you reduce your risk to dental disease. That means all treatments that don’t cater specifically to your oral health (i.e. cosmetic treatments) should be postponed until after you give birth.

According to your dentist, a great way to control the risk of developing gum disease is to visit more often, particularly during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. By keeping a close relationship with your dentist, you’ll be better equipped to address changes in your pregnancy, as well as new medications your physician recommends. Always tell your dentist if you are currently or intend on becoming pregnant so they can better prepare your treatments.

Additionally, don’t skip dental X-rays if they are needed! X-rays are completely safe during pregnancy when shielding is provided.

Tips to Keep in Mind at Home

There are many ways to ensure the best outcome for your child in between dental visits. Take note of them below:

• When you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse afterwards. Wait 30 minutes until brushing to prevent accidentally brushing away tooth enamel.
• Eat a diet that promotes your baby’s oral development. This should include dairy products, cheese, and yogurt which are all good sources of essential minerals for developing teeth, bones, and gums.
• Try to avoid sugary snacks. Cravings will make this difficult, but avoiding them will reduce your risk of tooth decay.
• If you gag often while brushing, switch to a bland toothpaste, use a toothbrush with a smaller head, or brush at different times throughout the day.

Your oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because you’re pregnant. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Westminster today!

About Sage Dental Care

It doesn’t matter if you’re pregnant or not, Sage Dental Care is prepared to provide you excellent dental care that meets your needs. With multiple dentists on staff and availability five days a week, keeping your oral health in check during pregnancy couldn’t be easier. To learn more, contact your dentist in 80234 through his website.