Caring for Your Teeth During Pregnancy
Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you have recently found out that you are expecting a child, you are probably overwhelmed with new experiences, feelings, and what seems like an endless amount of visits to doctors and hospitals. With all that is going on with your life and your body, one thing that you definitely don’t want to forget while you are pregnant is to visit your dentist. If you are expecting, here are some things that Dr. Apsey and the team at Smile Brightly want you to know.
The Basics
First off, don’t delay telling us that you are expecting. Even if you are visiting us and think you might be pregnant, please let us know. It is helpful for us to have this information as early during your pregnancy as possible, so that we can help you prepare for changes to your mouth and teeth. Just like other parts of your body, your mouth can change during pregnancy, and we can help you manage these changes. If you have procedures other than a cleaning scheduled, we can help you decide if it is right to move forward, or if it is safer to wait until the baby has arrived. It is also important for us to know about any medications you are taking or other special advice your doctor has given you. This will help us give you the best possible care while you are pregnant.
How Does Pregnancy Affect the Mouth?
Many women have no effects to their mouth, teeth or overall oral health during pregnancy. However, some women do experience changes to their mouth. Some of the most common changes include:
- Pregnancy Gingivitis – Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling, tenderness and sometimes bleeding. Even if you have had a good course of dental care leading up to your pregnancy, you can still be effected by pregnancy gingivitis. Make sure that if you start having these symptoms, you visit us as soon as possible. Left untreated, gingivitis can cause more serious forms of gum disease.
- Increased Risk of Tooth Decay – Changes in your diet and morning sickness can increase your risk of getting cavities. It is important to keep your normal routine of brushing and flossing, even when you are extra tired, to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Pregnancy Tumors – Some women will experience small tumors growing on their gums during their second trimester. This isn’t cancer, but swelling between your teeth. This may be caused by excess plaque or gingivitis. These usually go away after the baby is born, but if you have one that is particularly problematic, it can be removed.
Anesthetics and X-Rays
We can still perform procedures like filling a cavity, pulling a tooth or placing a crown while you are pregnant. The medications that we use to numb your gums and mouth are still safe for you and your baby. If we need to do x-rays while you are pregnant, this procedure is also safe for you and your baby. The amount of x-rays that you are exposed to in the dentist are incredibly small, but to make sure that you have extra protection, we will cover you with a leaded apron.
Dental care during pregnancy may be even more important than it is normally. If you are pregnant, we encourage you to visit us early in your pregnancy so we can give you the best care, and help you protect your teeth.
I’m Expecting And I Need the Best Dentist in Warren, MI
Dr. Apsey and the team at Smile Brightly provide a full range of dental care for your whole family. Whether you need a good general dentist or are looking for great cosmetic dentistry options, we have you covered. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our practice, call us today at (586) 573-7700.