Pregnant Women and Dental Care

Although it was once believed that pregnant women should avoid dental care, we now know that keeping your smile healthy can be one of the best things you can do during pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should maintain a regular dental exam and cleaning schedule.

The bacteria that cause dental disease have been linked to potentially serious pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Statistics show that about forty percent of pregnant women have untreated tooth decay or gum disease, and more than a third of them have not sought dental care in the previous year. Poor dental health puts them and their pregnancies at risk.

According to ACOG, routine cleanings and dental exams are safe along with local anesthesia and dental X-rays. If you are pregnant, maintain your regular checkup schedule, but do let us know that you are pregnant so that we can take all necessary precautions. If you need dental work, such as a filling or a root canal, you do not need to delay it until the baby is born. Getting treatment now can help reduce the long-term risks and prevent the problem from worsening.

Another good reason for scheduling regular cleanings is that the bacteria that cause cavities can be transmitted from mother to baby through saliva. Keeping oral bacteria levels under control can reduce your child’s future cavity risk.

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes, and so does your mouth. Your oral health can be affected by the increased blood flow, hormones, and pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness. Maintaining your dental health is just as important as maintaining your physical health during this time. Call our office today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our team.

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