Achieving Good Dental Health Can Be Easier than You Think

Pregnant? 3 Things You Need To Know About Oral Care And The Dentist

Are you planning to be pregnant or are your currently pregnant? You may not realize it, but being pregnant has a big impact on your oral health. Pregnancy actually can play into the health of your gums and teeth, which is why it's important to visit the dentist regularly, especially if you are pregnant. Here are some things you should know the dentist and oral care.

You're At An Increase Risk of Getting Gum Disease

Your body's hormone levels will change because of a pregnancy, and because of this, you have a higher risk of getting gum disease. Issues with gestational gingivitis will typically go away once the baby is born, but it could cause permanent damage to the gum tissue in your mouth. That's why you must treat gum disease in its early stages when possible. Make it a point to visit the dentist during each trimester to monitor issues with gum disease and to get it treated immediately so it doesn't get worse.

Tooth Enamel Can Become Damaged From Acid

A common side effect of pregnancy can be vomiting and acid reflux. Your doctor will most likely focus on how this is making you feel uncomfortable, and not be as focused on the actual health of the teeth. However, the acid in your mouth could actually be damaging the enamel on your teeth if you are not careful. Tooth enamel will not repair itself like other parts of your body, which is why leaving the problem untreated can cause long-term damage. It's another reason to regularly visit the dentist so that your teeth can be monitored for enamel loss and increased levels of acidity.

Dental Visits Are Completely Safe

Always know that going to the dentist for routine visits will be completely safe for both you and your baby. The problem is when you delay having treatments done because you are pregnant and find yourself needing to get a major dental procedure done late in the pregnancy. For the most part, dental procedures are safe, but the stress that you put your body through because you are nervous about the dentist can be much worse. X-rays can be safe as well, because they are not affecting the reproductive organs since they are concentrated on the mouth. However, you should still avoid them when possible by getting problems treated early.

If you have any concerns about your oral health during a pregnancy, don't hesitate you meet with a dentist at a dental clinic like Justice Dental. They can advise on what to do so that both you and your baby are safe. 


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