You may have heard the old wives’ tale that going to the dentist is dangerous for women who are expecting. In the modern world that we live in, this isn’t true at all. In fact, it is especially important that you attend regular cleanings and checkups during this time for a variety of different reasons. If you aren’t already taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits, here’s why you should be doing so while pregnant.
4 Ways Pregnancy Affects Your Dental Health
Hormonal Changes
Many women end up with sensitive, swollen, or bleeding gums during pregnancy. This is because of the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body. It increases the risk of developing gingivitis, and it can advance into more serious stages of gum disease if you aren’t careful.
Routine Changes
Pregnancy can affect your body and schedule in unpredictable ways. Between fatigue, sleep interruptions, and general discomfort, many pregnant women find themselves going to sleep earlier than usual. Being especially tired may tempt you to skip your evening brushing and flossing.
Eating Habits
Pregnancy symptoms, like cravings, food aversions, and nausea, can make it more challenging to eat balanced meals at the same time every day. This could mean additional snacking, exposing your teeth to more sugar, and other changes that could negatively impact your smile.
Morning Sickness
Many women experience morning sickness while pregnant. Vomiting exposes the teeth to acid from the stomach, weakening the enamel and contributing to tooth decay.
How Does Dental Health Affect Your Baby?
There is research that shows that women who have gum disease may be at greater risk of giving birth to a baby that is preterm or has a low birth weight. Tooth decay can lead to gum disease, so it’s important that you continue to see a dentist while you are pregnant so any signs of oral health issues can be caught in their tracks and new issues can be prevented.
Are Any Dental Procedures Not Safe for Pregnant Women?
It is generally considered safe to have dental work completed during pregnancy. However, there are a few procedures that your dentist and doctor will likely recommend you put off until after you have your baby. For instance, if you need oral surgery that isn’t urgent or needed to maintain your health, you should wait. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, this should also be put off until after your baby is born.
It’s important to take care of yourself while pregnant, and that includes your smile! If you aren’t already taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits, now is the time to do so!
About the Practice
At Advanced Smile Design, Dr. Patel and Dr. Gandhi work together to treat patients in Willow Grove. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental insurance or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (215) 659-3334.
