It’s a common occurrence among women who discover that they’re pregnant to forego their regular dental checkup. A common belief is that going to the dentist while pregnant isn’t safe. Today, your Rauch family dentist is here to debunk this myth once and for all. Not only is it safe, it’s vitally important that expecting mothers see their dentist. This is because hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy make expecting mothers more prone to conditions like gum disease, which could lead to a host of serious problems, including premature delivery.
Essentially, the increase in estrogen and progesterone in your system can exaggerate the way gum tissues react to plaque on your teeth. Your gums are more likely to bleed and there is a greater chance of them becoming inflamed or infected. Once the infection has taken hold, a serious one can lead to your teeth being damaged.
Also, your oral health and your overall health have a lot to do with each other. That ‘s why it’s especially important to keep up your great oral hygiene habits throughout your pregnancy. During pregnancy, you should brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day (morning and night) and floss once a day. You should also visit your Mesa dental office to have a dental hygienist remove hardened deposits (tartar) not removed by routine cleaning. A visit to can also help you be especially sure that this important aspect of your (and your baby’s) health is in balance. Once you’re there, your dentist can also tell you where your oral health currently stands and create an overall dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Once again, dental visits during pregnancy are absolutely safe. Routine exams and cleanings can be performed throughout your pregnancy. Elective and cosmetic procedures, such as whitening treatments, should be postponed until after the baby’s born, and any procedure requiring x-rays, anesthesia or medications should only be performed in the event of an emergency, and your obstetrician should also be advised. Otherwise, if you discover that you’re pregnant, or are hoping to be soon, talk to your dentist about a treatment plan to keep your teeth and gums in great shape throughout.
