Dental Care and Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, it is important to maintain excellent overall health, including good dental health. Jackson dentist Danny O’Keefe encourages patients to keep up with regularly scheduled routine check-ups and most restorative dentistry procedures in order to keep the teeth and gums in good health throughout your pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it is natural to worry about the safety of everyday tasks that you would otherwise perform without a second thought. After all, there are plenty of everyday tasks that pose risks to pregnant women. But the downside of this concern is that some women do not seek out dental care while pregnant, even if there is a pressing need for treatment, out of concern that dental care could cause problems.
Women should rest assured that visiting the dentist will not pose a threat to the health of you or your baby. To the contrary, good dental health is integral to good overall health, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings is key to staying healthy and preventing problems, like gum disease, throughout your pregnancy.
Preventing Gum Disease
One of the most frequent dental issues that can arise during pregnancy is periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Hormone fluctuations and other factors can leave pregnant women much more prone to periodontitis than usual.
You can help keep gum disease at bay by watching what you eat, taking in enough calcium while avoiding too much overly sugary foods, and by being vigilant in your daily dental hygiene routine. It is also important to visit your dentist, letting him know that you are pregnant, to make sure that any signs of gum disease are kept under control.
The signs of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, include red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily. If you notice these symptoms, you may want to improve your at-home oral care routine and schedule an appointment with your dentist.
What to Avoid
While dental care is safe during pregnancy, there are still some precautions to keep in mind. Experts recommend waiting until you have moved from the first trimester until the second trimester to undergo restorative dentistry procedures. It is also recommended that you take care of any major non-emergency surgical procedures before or after your pregnancy for the sake of safety. The same goes for purely elective cosmetic dentistry procedures; it is best to wait to undergo procedures such as teeth whitening and the placement of porcelain veneers. In addition, we avoid taking X-rays in pregnant patients, so they are not exposed to any unnecessary radiation.
Learn More about Dental Care During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a deeply personal event, and every woman experiences pregnancy differently. By involving preventative dentistry measures in your health care regimen, you can focus on more important things. Whether you are currently pregnant or planning for it in the near future, contact the dentistry office of Dr. Danny O’Keefe today to schedule an appointment and discuss any questions or concerns about your dental health.
