Are you expecting a baby? What Mom’s should know.
Steps can be taken during your pregnancy to assure your own dental health and to give your baby the best chance toward good dental health.
Do I need dental care while I’m pregnant?
Preventative dental care including routine dental exams and cleaning can be performed at anytime during a normal pregnancy. It is recommended, however, that dental visits be postponed until the second trimester of pregnancy if any extensive care is required. Usually women feel their best during the second trimester.
Your dental health is important to both of you! Dental emergency’s should be avoided therefore it is important that you visit your dentist regularly for an exam and hygiene appointment.
What if I have a “toothache” while I’m pregnant?
If necessary, emergency care can be provided during pregnancy. It is important to remember that anything that disturbs the mother’s health can affect your baby’s health!
Prevention of a dental emergency can be greatly reduced by regular visits to your dentist prior to conception and during your pregnancy.
What should my dentist know?
Your baby’s critical development and growth occurs in the very early weeks, often before you are even certain that you are pregnant. It is very important that you let your dentist and clinic staff know that you are pregnant or if you even think that you are pregnant, as special considerations could be taken during your dental treatment, depending on your individual needs. We want to assure the health of your baby and you!
Are x-rays safe during pregnancy?
X-rays are an important tool in helping your dentist give you the most complete dental care and are carefully taken depending on your individual needs. However, if you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant, every effort will be made to postpone all radiographs. If a radiograph must be taken, as a toothache can affect your baby’s health if untreated, a lead-lined apron will be placed over you and your baby for extra protection.
Why are my gums bleeding? Pregnancy Gingivitus.
If you have noticed your gums are red, swollen and bleed easily since you have been pregnant, you may have Pregnancy Gingivitis . Pregnancy Gingivitis (inflammation in the gums) is believed to occur in response to hormonal changes in the mother’s body.
Regular visits to remove any plaque/calculus and good oral hygiene will help to reduce the inflammation, eliminate this problem and make you feel more comfortable.
When does my Baby’s teeth start to develop?
While you are taking care of your teeth, your expectant baby is already developing a set of their own. At about the 6th week of pregnancy, the baby teeth are just starting to form and at about the 12th week the permanent teeth begin to form.
When your baby is born, all 20 of the primary (baby) teeth, and a few of the permanent teeth will be in various stages of development. Maintaining a balanced diet and good health during your pregnancy will protect and assure the best prenatal development of the teeth.
