Are you worried about seeing the dentist while pregnant? Many expectant mothers let misconceptions about dentistry keep them from taking proper care of their teeth while pregnant. This is unfortunate considering the fluctuations in hormones can often cause excessive plaque buildup that may lead to cavities, and worse, gum disease. If you’d like to keep your smile healthy while waiting to meet your little one, your preventive dentist can certainly help. And doctors and dentists agree, there’s no reason for you to delay a routine visit when it could actually prevent problems for your oral and overall health.
Why Dental Care Can’t Wait
Since gum health is linked to issues of the heart, diabetes and even early labor, it is important to take excellent care of your gums health, especially while pregnant. Unfortunately this only becomes more difficult while expecting, due to the drastic fluctuations in hormones.
These can cause plaque to buildup and what is often called “pregnancy gingivitis,” which is marked by swelling, sensitivity and even bleeding gums. It is neither healthy nor comfortable to ignore symptoms like these, which is one reason why dentists urge expectant moms to attend their regular cleanings and checkups. Some patients need to visit even more than every six months while pregnant, in order to keep their gums healthy.
The great news is that studies have continually shown there are very few risks for the baby, if mother attends a regular cleaning while pregnant. In fact, most restorative treatments are also safe for moms-to-be.
That said, if you are having a complicated or high-risk pregnancy or have been placed on any medications, you should consult with your doctor before visiting the dentist. In most cases, though, it is safe to have dental work completed while pregnant, and even necessary to help keep your smile – and yourself – healthy as you await your baby’s arrival.