It’s common for expectant mothers to have questions about their dental health. During pregnancy, maintaining a healthy smile is more important than ever, and that’s why a dental checkup with the family dentist in Framingham is advised during the first trimester of pregnancy is highly recommended. Issues with the teeth and gums can potentially put the health of you or baby at risk. Keep reading to learn more about how dental problems can affect pregnancy — and how we can help you avoid them.
Your overall health is of the utmost importance during pregnancy, and that includes clean, healthy teeth and gums. The rise in hormone levels during pregnancy can cause the gums to swell, bleed, and makes them more susceptible to gum disease — a special form we call pregnancy gingivitis. It is usually temporary and mild, but should still be monitored. Gum disease in pregnant women has been linked to low birthweight and premature birth.
Nausea and morning sickness that many women experience during pregnancy can also put the teeth at risk. Repeated exposure to the acids in vomit weaken the tooth enamel and leave it more vulnerable to sensitivity or tooth decay — especially if you brush your teeth immediately after throwing up.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy, make sure you continue to…
Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day (after each meal is even better)
Floss teeth at least once a day
Visit your dentist at least once during pregnancy
A preventive examination with your dentist in Framingham is not only safe during pregnancy, it is highly recommended. Not visiting the dentist can leave you at a high risk of developing the problems that can put your or your baby’s health at risk.
During the appointment, we will take special care to ensure that you are completely safe and comfortable. We won’t take X-rays unless they are totally necessary, and if we do, a protective lead covering will provide extra protection. Our hygiene team will remove plaque and tartar and polish the tooth enamel to help it really sparkle. If you need additional preventive care or basic restorative treatment, we will not hesitate to perform it to ensure you smile happily and healthily throughout your pregnancy and into new motherhood.
If you have additional questions about how you can keep your smile healthy throughout pregnancy, we invite you to get in touch with your Framingham dentist. Routine care and attention throughout the next nine months will keep your smile on track to ensure you welcome your new baby with top-notch oral health!
Dr. Mark Fried, Dr. Julie Werman, Dr. Maria Thomas and Dr. Erin Breen offer superior dental care from the comfort of their state-of-the-art office. To learn more about how pregnancy can affect oral health or schedule an appointment, you are invited to contact the practice at 508-872-9339.
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