Congratulations, you’re expecting a baby! But, along with decorating the nursery and seeing the obstetrician, there’s one other thing you should be thinking about as you prepare to welcome your bundle of joy – visiting the dental office! Pregnancy hormones can have a big impact on your oral health. And, in turn, your oral health can affect your pregnancy and even the health of your baby.
At Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, we offer thorough preventive care for patients in all stages of life. If you are expecting a baby, we can provide the treatment you need for a healthy smile and a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, we will take all the precautions necessary to ensure that your dental care is 100% pregnancy-safe.
Contact our office today to schedule this important element of your prenatal care.
Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease
According to the CDC, 60-75% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis. The increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood leave expecting mothers more susceptible to the condition. If gingivitis advances to gum disease, it increases the risk of premature birth and low birthweight.
A routine cleaning at the dental office may be enough to reverse gingivitis. In more advanced stages, your dentist may suggest scaling and root planing.
Pregnancy and Tooth Decay
Some experts suggest that a woman’s risk of cavities increases when she is pregnant. Alarmingly, cavities are contagious, so early exposure to tooth decay can put your baby at risk. That is one reason it is so important to have any cavities treated prior to giving birth.
Other Ways that Pregnancy Can Affect Your Oral Health
If you suffer from significant morning sickness, you could also sustain some enamel erosion as your teeth are exposed to acids from your stomach. Bonding or crowns can protect your teeth and prevent further damage.
Additionally, up to 5% of all women develop pregnancy tumors on their gums. Despite the alarming name, pregnancy tumors are not cancerous, and they usually go away after the baby is born. Pregnancy tumors are usually about 1-2 cm wide. They are soft and are sometimes compared to raspberries in appearance. They can cause discomfort and bleeding. Although they are not dangerous, you should always talk to your dentist about any unusual spots or sores in your mouth.
Is visiting the dentist safe when you are pregnant?
Absolutely! In fact the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists urge pregnant women to make dental care a priority.
If you require any restorative treatment, such as a filling or a root canal, local anesthesia will have no negative effects on your baby. Many dentists prefer to postpone preventive x-rays until after pregnancy. But if x-rays are necessary to treat decay or infection, the low levels of radiation and the protective aprons will keep radiation exposure to a minimum.
Just be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant, as this may affect the type of treatment that we recommend.
Schedule a Dental Office Visit Today
We can’t wait to provide the dental care you need during this special time of your life. Contact Metropolitan Dental Care today to schedule an appointment.
You can reach our dental office online or call us at 303-534-2626.
