Natick Dentist: Dental Care Crucial In Pregnancy, Too

Pregnancy is such an exciting time. Preparing for a new addition to the family is big — and you want to do everything possible for the health and safety of your little one. That includes visiting the doctor regularly, eating well and trying to keep your pre-baby jitters to a minimum. We also want to remind you that there’s one more thing you should add to the list: a visit to your Natick Dentist.

Mothers shouldn’t forget about their oral health in the whirlwind of pregnancy. It may be surprising, but the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy that can lead to problems in the mouth. And these oral issues aren’t without consequence — they can actually affect the growth of your baby, the timing of your birth and even the future health of your child. We know these aren’t risks you want to take. Read more to learn more about why it’s so important to continue your twice-annual trips to the dentist before, during and after your pregnancy.

The hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy can cause changes in the mouth, and these changes can affect the gums in a big way. We call it pregnancy gingivitis — it’s a gum condition that causes tender, swollen gums that bleed easily. It’s important to treat the condition as soon as the symptoms develop — if not diagnosed and monitored, pregnancy gingivitis can develop into more serious gum disease. That’s a problem you want to avoid, as gum disease in pregnant mothers is linked to premature birth and a lower birthweight.

Many pregnant women are, understandably, concerned with the safety of visiting the dentist during pregnancy. We’re here to confirm that it’s perfectly safe — and necessary — to have your teeth cleaned and examined while you’re expecting. For non-emergency dental work, however, we’ll recommend that the procedure is performed either during the second trimester or after birth. And the same with x-rays — we wait until after pregnancy to resume their use. At our office, we truly have the best interest of you, your teeth and your child’s health in mind.

It’s crucial that you keep up your good oral health habits during pregnancy. These include:

If you’re expecting, don’t slack off on your twice-annual trips to the dentist — they may be more important than ever. Contact our Framingham dentist office for an appointment today. We’ll make sure your oral health is in tip-top shape — for the benefit of you and your little one.