If you are expecting a new addition to your family, congratulations. While pregnancy is an exciting time, it’s worth remembering the importance of oral health care in the months ahead. Here are a few things to consider during this time.
Ideally, Get a Checkup before Pregnancy
In an ideal world, we would love to see you before you become pregnant, so we can complete a checkup and ensure your mouth is healthy and free from any signs of disease, if necessary carrying out any restorative work before pregnancy. However, we realize that life can take an unexpected turn, so it’s best to come and see us as soon as you learn your happy news. We can help you maintain good oral health during pregnancy and beyond.
It is important to ensure you have an optimal level of dental health because it helps protect you and your baby during pregnancy and after birth. When you kiss your new baby or share utensils with them, you can transfer your mouth bacteria to them. If you don’t have good dental health, you will transfer more bacteria to your baby, increasing the risk of dental disease.
Routine Dentistry Is Safe during Pregnancy
Routine dental care is perfectly safe during pregnancy, so please continue to come and see us for your regular checkups and hygiene appointments in Oshawa. We can monitor your dental health for changes and treat small problems quickly and effectively. There is no need to worry, as once we know you are pregnant, we will ensure that any treatment provided is perfectly safe for you both. It could be much more harmful to leave a dental problem untreated.
Watch out for Pregnancy Gingivitis
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can increase your gums’ sensitivity to plaque bacteria. As a result, your gums may become inflamed and more likely to bleed due to pregnancy gingivitis, a type of gum disease. The condition normally clears up once your baby is born. However, if you develop pregnancy gingivitis in Whitby, we will recommend more frequent dental cleanings.
These hygiene appointments help remove the buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth, removing the bacteria that cause inflammation and infection, so your gums remain healthier and stronger. We might also recommend additional hygiene appointments for anyone who already has signs of gum disease, as this condition may worsen during pregnancy. It is important because gum disease has been linked to pregnancy complications, including premature birth and low birthweight babies.
Morning Sickness
Not just confined to the mornings, feeling nauseous or being sick during pregnancy can occur at any time during the day. It can be a problem for your dental health because your teeth are exposed to strong stomach acid. These acids weaken your tooth enamel, and repeated exposure to acid can increase the risk of cavities in Ajax.
If you suffer from nausea or sickness, rinse your mouth with plain water after being sick but wait at least half an hour before you brush your teeth. This might seem counterintuitive as most people want to freshen their mouth immediately after being sick, but waiting gives your tooth enamel a chance to begin re-hardening. As acidity levels in your mouth decline and pH levels begin to return to normal, some of the minerals removed by the acids are redeposited into your tooth enamel, helping it re-harden. If you brush your teeth too soon, you risk brushing softened tooth enamel that is more easily damaged.
Once your baby is here, don’t forget we love seeing infants and children and look forward to welcoming your child to Margolian Dentistry.