Pregnancy and your teeth: what you need to know
If you’re trying to have a baby, or are already pregnant, chances are you’re paying extra attention to your health. Your oral health should be no exception. With a baby on the way, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Dental exams: Although everyone should get regular checkups, they’re especially important during pregnancy. As pregnancy hormones increase, foods may taste different, dry mouth and mouth sores are more common, and you’re at a higher risk of developing gum disease.
- A healthy diet: What you eat affects your baby’s development, and that includes his or her teeth. Teeth begin to develop during the third month of pregnancy, so you’ll want to include foods high in protein, phosphorous, vitamins and minerals in your diet.
- Calcium counts: Along with vitamins A, C and D, calcium is very important to tooth development. If you lack calcium in your diet, your body will take it from your bones (but not your teeth, as you may have heard). Your doctor may recommend calcium supplements to ensure both you and baby get enough.
- Avoid infections: If you need a filling, root canal or other procedure, make sure to get it as soon as you can. Damaged teeth can create infections, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Despite what you may have heard, dental work during pregnancy is completely safe. However, you may be more comfortable in the dental chair if you schedule it earlier — between 14 and 20 weeks is ideal.
- Watch out for pregnancy-induced gingivitis: Hormones will put you at higher risk of developing gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. If your gums are red, swollen or they bleed when you brush, contact us for a treatment recommendation.
- X-rays should be OK: We use digital x-rays , which use 80 to 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays. The radiation in a full set of digital x-rays is about the same amount you’d get from eating 10 bananas. And, we use leaded aprons and thyroid collars to protect your body. However, we always recommend consulting your doctor to see if x-rays are appropriate during your pregnancy.
