Pregnancy and Oral Health
Congratulations
You’ve been blessed with bringing life into this world! Your oral health during pregnancy is very important for both you and your baby, and we are excited to support you and walk alongside you in this journey.
Gum Disease
According to CDC, 60-70% of pregnant women have gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. If gingivitis isn’t treated, bone around the teeth can be lost and the gums can get infected. Periodontitis has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight.
Decay
Cavities are infectious disease which means it can spread from person-to-person. If you as a mom have untreated cavities or infection, your child is 3x more likely to have cavities as a child.
Tell Your Dentist:
If you have a high-risk pregnancy
The month of pregnancy you are in
Any changes in oral health
If you are taking any medication
If you have noticed any swelling, redness, bleeding, sores or inflammation in your mouth
If you have noticed any loose teeth
What Dental Work Should I Have Done To Protect Me and My Baby?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women should continue receiving routine dental visits during their pregnancy including getting exams, x-rays, cleanings, and fluoride treatment.
X-rays are taken with abdomen and thyroid shields so the baby is protected.
If immediate treatment is needed like extractions, root canals, or fillings, these can be completed at any point in the pregnancy using lidocaine as the anesthetic. Delaying treatment can lead to bigger and more expensive problems.
Why Does Pregnancy Cause So Many Cavities?
Women are more likely to get cavities during pregnancy because of increases acid due to high sugar intake, vomiting, and heartburn.
To neutralize acid after vomiting or heartburn, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water and rinse your teeth. Do this before brushing teeth to avoid scrubbing acid into your teeth with your toothbrush which can be harsh on your enamel. If you don’t have baking soda available after vomiting, swish with water and then brush your teeth 15 minutes later after the acid has been diluted.
Try to avoid sugary drinks and snacks when possible.
Brush your teeth 2-3 times/day with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss once a day.
When you brush your teeth and night, don’t rinse the toothpaste off so that it can soak into your teeth as you sleep.
If you need preventative care or emergency care, don’t hesitate to call Lagrange Family Dentistry. Our doctors care about you and baby.
260-463-2111 | 612 South Detroit Street, Lagrange Indiana, 46761 | smile@lagrangefamilydentistry.com