Pregnant? 5 Reasons To Visit the Dentist Regularly
Pregnant women have a lot on their mind and a lot to take care of. Because if this, they may not put regular visits to the dentist at the top of their to-do list. But pregnancy is a time when you should pay even more attention to your oral health. Here are a few of the many ways that good dental care helps both you and your baby.
1. Changing Hormones Cause Problems
Your body will change significantly when you are pregnant—and all throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. Some of the biggest changes are in your hormones. This can cause a number of unusual challenges, including pregnancy gingivitis. Expectant mothers are prone to this gum disease that can cause permanent damage to their teeth if left untreated.
2. Your Habits Change
Women may experience an ever-changing variety of food and drink cravings. Some cravings are for food that is good for you, but many are for things high in sugar or acidity. Whatever the food or beverages you're indulging in, regular dental care prevents these from damaging your enamel or forming cavities.
Unfortunately, even those who try to keep up their dental care routine at home can face problems. Brushing and flossing may make some women nauseous. Those hormonal changes could make your gums more sensitive or painful during flossing. And you may simply find that you forget to keep up with dental hygiene with everything else going on.
3. Certain Materials Should Be Avoided
As a mother, you probably want to keep any potentially toxic chemicals and materials far away from your baby. Some common dental materials are on this list. In general, mercury and dental amalgams can be toxic to both mother and unborn child. If you get cavities or need serious dental work during pregnancy, talk to your dentist about avoiding dangerous elements.
Of course, avoiding dental problems through good dental care and hygiene is even safer. The best way to achieve this is to work with your dentist to form a good home oral hygiene routine and to speak with them immediately if you notice any changes—before dental problems escalate.
4. You Create Good Routines
The mother’s oral hygiene will translate to the baby's oral hygiene over the years. This starts by preventing unnecessary bacteria from entering your body through your mouth and being transferred to your baby. And as you cuddle, kiss, and care for your baby, you also risk transferring oral bacteria to their mouth.
As they grow, too, your attention to good home dental care and regular visits to the dentist help you instill this in your child. Many mothers start bringing their babies to the dentist even before their first teeth arrive. Establishing a good relationship with a dentist you trust makes it easier to get your little one started with their own dental visits.
5. Oral Health Has Unusual Effects
Medical professionals and researchers have noted some unexpected—and not well understood—correlations between a mom's oral health and the baby's health. One of the most worrisome links is a correlation between periodontitis and pre-term births. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. So avoiding it can help protect both you and your baby.
Where Should You Start?
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, a good dentist should be a regular part of your maternal care team. Koehn Dentistry & Aesthetics is ready to be that healthcare partner. We provide many services for the entire family, including both expectant and new mothers. Call today to make an appointment or learn more about dental care during pregnancy.
