Some expecting mothers forego dental care during pregnancy. Typically, they concentrate on other areas of wellness, including healthy weight gain and nutrition. However, poor oral health and lack of dental care can impact pregnancy, and not for the better.
At Kennedy Dental, we encourage soon-to-be mothers to continue with their dental checkups and teeth cleanings at our dentist's office in Bellevue, NE.
Continue reading to learn more about how oral health promotes a healthy pregnancy and why you should continue seeing the dentist.
Oral Health Risks Associated with Pregnancy
New Tooth Decay
As you move through your pregnancy, you may notice an increase in acid reflux. When stomach acid refluxes into the mouth, it's more severe than the bad taste it leaves behind. This acid can erode tooth enamel and lead to dry mouth; both can cause cavities or tooth decay.
Your OBGYN may prescribe a safe acid reducer or recommend dietary changes to combat this issue. It's also important to see your dentist for teeth cleanings, which clears debris from the teeth to help reduce tooth decay risks.
Loose Teeth
Pregnancy marks a season of hormonal changes. And estrogen and progesterone can loosen teeth by temporarily relaxing the surrounding ligaments and bones. So it's essential to see your dentist if you notice loose teeth during pregnancy. We want to ensure that it's hormone-related and not gum disease.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Gingivitis is treatable but a precursor to the more severe gum disease, also called periodontal disease or periodontitis. However, if you don't seek treatment, gingivitis progresses and poses a serious risk to you and your unborn child.
Gum disease is a series of infections and pronounced inflammation in the bones and periodontal ligaments. Eventually, these bones and ligaments lose the ability to support your teeth, which can mean tooth loss. But there are other complications to consider.
Studies associate periodontal disease with the following complications:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart issues
- Lung problems
- Low birth weight
- Premature labor
One periodontal disease risk factor is pregnancy; hormonal changes make you vulnerable to the condition. Another factor is the lack of dental care.
Of course, we can treat gum disease, but ensuring that you don't develop this condition is better still.
By seeing your dentist regularly during pregnancy and adopting and implementing an excellent brushing and flossing routine, you lower your risks for complications.
Signs of gum disease can include all or some of the following symptoms:
- Bad breath that does not improve with brushing and flossing
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Red or inflamed gums
If you notice any of these oral health changes, we urge you to contact our Bellevue dentist.
Safe and Comfortable Dental Care During Pregnancy
The team at Kennedy Dental understands that you may feel uncomfortable, especially during the final months of pregnancy. Our dental chairs are comfortable, and we always take measures to keep the atmosphere relaxing for our expectant mothers.
We also use digital x-rays, which the March of Dimes has deemed safe for the mother and unborn child. Digital x-rays deliver a small amount of radiation compared to their predecessors. And we cover you with a protective apron before taking these films.
We can also continue with most treatments started before pregnancy, including TMJ treatment in Bellevue, NE.
Excellent Oral Health During Pregnancy: Your Role
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily or after eating.
- Adopt a healthy diet, low in sugar and acids (reduce fruit juice, soda, etc.).
- Visit the dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Report oral health changes or concerns to the dentist ASAP.
Because the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy put you at an increased risk for oral health complications—and the risk of periodontal disease complications on the unborn child—we encourage your vigilance throughout the three trimesters.
Contact Your Dentist Near Me to Schedule an Appointment
We encourage you to consider dental care as just another part of prenatal care.
Additionally, we offer everything from general to cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening in Bellevue, NE. If you have questions or would like to arrange a visit or consultation with the dentist, a team member is standing by to help you today. And don't forget to ask about our dental membership plan.