If you are currently pregnant and have a dentist appointment coming up, you may be thinking of either of these two things: whether you should postpone your appointment or what you need to do to stay safe during your visit. It is important to keep your dental appointments while you are pregnant, and you should notify the dental practice about your pregnancy so they can adjust accordingly.
Let’s talk about why you should not miss your dental appointment while you are expecting.
See the Dentist to Protect Against Enamel Damage
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing dental problems. For instance, a very common symptom of pregnancy is morning sickness. Vomiting induced by morning sickness during your first trimester exposes your teeth to powerful stomach acids that can eat away at the enamel. Plus, a weaker enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity and may also allow cavities to form.
To keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy, the dentist will check your mouth for early signs of cavities at each visit and make recommendations to protect your teeth against acid damage. For example, the dentist might suggest mixing a solution of water and a teaspoon of baking soda to rinse your mouth after vomiting to help neutralize the acid. If brushing your teeth triggers a gag reflex, the dentist can recommend alternate brushing techniques or a different toothpaste to prevent this nausea and vomiting.
See the Dentist to Reduce Risk of Gum Disease
The surge in hormone production during pregnancy can cause your gums to swell and bleed. With swollen gums, there is a greater chance that food particles will get trapped in gaps which may lead to gum disease. If this allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, this could cause pregnancy complications.
Studies show that gum disease in pregnant women affects fetal growth and development and increases the risk of preterm birth. To treat gum disease in pregnant women, dentists can prescribe antibiotics that are safe for use during pregnancy. To prevent gum disease, it is important to keep up with your regular dental appointments for preventive services such as professional cleaning.
Your oral health is at increased risk due to pregnancy-related issues. Help from the dentist ensures that you receive proper dental care during your pregnancy.
Visiting the Dentist Safely While Pregnant
It is necessary to let your dentist know if you are pregnant so he or she can make recommendations that keep you and your unborn baby safe. However, major dental work and cosmetic procedures are usually postponed until the second or third trimester after pregnancy.
When an X-ray is needed, the dentist will keep you and your baby safe by having you wear a lead apron. However, barring any dental emergencies in early pregnancy, the dentist usually performs only a routine cleaning and an oral exam.
Dentist in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
If you are pregnant, you should prioritize your oral health. At Dr. Steve Hagerman’s clinic, we advise that our patients maintain regular dental care appointments, even during pregnancy. Our friendly, gentle, and caring staff will make your comfort a priority as we are committed to providing excellent dental care.
Don’t let being pregnant discourage you from receiving the necessary dental services. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hagerman, call us today at (651) 646-2392 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to serving expectant mothers in our Minneapolis-St. Paul clinic.