Not only is dental care safe during pregnancy, it is essential to your health and the health of your growing baby. This is because those surging hormones that are causing such a dramatic transformation in your body can also put you at increased risk for developing oral health issues that can affect the health of that precious baby developing inside you.
One key potential result of increased hormones is gum disease which, if left untreated, can escalate to periodontal disease. Other dental issues that arise during pregnancy include erosion of tooth enamel caused by morning sickness; dry mouth – another side effect of hormonal changes, which can cause a number of dental issues; and pregnancy granuloma, a nodular red growth that can appear on the upper line of your gums.
Dental Care for Pregnant Mothers – What To Expect
With careful planning and clear communication, Dr. Hadaegh can oversee your optimal oral health throughout your pregnancy.
• See Us In the Planning Stages
The ideal time to visit Dr. Hadaegh’s Beverly Hills dental office is just before you start trying to get pregnant. This way we can give you a professional cleaning and treat any issues you may have such as untreated tooth decay, signs of infections or tooth traumas. We will also examine your gums to get a baseline reading, making it easy to track and treat any changes caused by pregnancy hormones.
• Contact Us Once You’re Pregnant
It’s also perfectly fine to contact us once you find out you’re pregnant. Talk to us about any questions and concerns you might have and let us set you up with an appointment during your second trimester. This is the ideal time for an expectant mother to receive routine dental care.
• Call Immediately If You’re Having Issues
If you are experiencing dental issues of any kind at any stage of your pregnancy, tell your doctor and contact us immediately! It’s critical that we address any source of infection or sepsis immediately. Any delay in treatment can cause harm to you and your baby.
Dental Care Guidelines During Your Pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association and the government have collaborated on a Consensus Statement providing guidance for prenatal care health professionals and dental health professionals regarding oral health care during pregnancy. Here are the official findings from these prestigious professionals.
- Get oral health treatment, as recommended by your dentist prior to delivery.
- Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all drugs you are taking – including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor – as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information.
- Dental care, including use of X-rays, pain medication, and local anesthesia, is safe throughout pregnancy.
- If X-rays are essential (such as in a dental emergency), Dr. Hadaegh will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.
- Practice good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy.
- Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or more often if the bristles are frayed.
- Do not share your toothbrush.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an inter dental cleaner.
- Rinse nightly with an over-the-counter fluoridated, alcohol-free mouth rinse.
- After eating, chew xylitol-containing gum or use other xylitol-containing products, such as mints, to help reduce bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
- If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, we will be happy to recommend a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Additionally, after vomiting, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water to stop acid from attacking your teeth.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products and eat fewer foods high in sugar.
- Drink water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks and choose water or milk instead of juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or soda.
Let Dr. Hadaegh Guide You Through Pregnancy
Communication with your dentist is crucial to excellent oral health for both you and your child. Contact Dr. Hadaegh today to make sure you receive the dental care you need as you progress through pregnancy.
You can reach me or one of my staff members @ (310) 659-5399 or fill out my online form, if you would prefer that method. We will answer your questions or inquiries as soon as we can.
