As soon as you found out you were pregnant, you probably started doing all sorts of research about how to care for yourself in order to give your baby the best chance of being born healthy and thriving. You might have looked into things like medication, nutrition, your daily habits, and more. You might also be wondering how to take care of your teeth while you’re an expecting mother. Your family dentist in Williamstown is here to talk more about this important topic.
Preventive Care Is Essential
Let’s get one thing straight right off the batt — preventive dental care is perfectly safe for expecting mothers. Even digital X-rays pose practically no risk because the amount of radiation they use is so small and is concentrated in just one area.
Visiting your dentist in Williamstown during your pregnancy is extremely primarily important due to the risk of gum disease. Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing, your hormones can hinder your periodontal health. That’s because they may cause your gums to swell, bleed, and trap food. As a result, you may experience significant discomfort and even an infection.
Preventing and treating gum issues during pregnancy is vital for more than just your own oral health. Gum disease has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weights. This may be because bacteria from the gums can sneak into the bloodstream and affect the fetus.
What About Other Dental Work?
In addition to preventive care, your Williamstown dentist may note that you need a bit of additional work done. Some dental procedures are safe during pregnancy. For example, fillings and crowns are restorative procedures that can reduce your risk of infection and generally pose no risk to expectant moms or their babies.
However, restorative work should usually take place before your third trimester because once you get into the later stage of your pregnancy, it may be very difficult for you to lie on your back during your dental appointment.
Other dental treatments, such as those that require general anesthesia or elective procedures (like teeth whitening) should wait until after you give birth.
Home Dental Care During Pregnancy
Be sure to maintain a good routine of brushing and flossing while you’re pregnant. But be cautious — if you experience a lot of morning sickness, all of that vomiting may erode your tooth enamel. After you throw up, rinse your mouth out, but don’t brush right away. Wait about an hour or so; this lets your tooth enamel harden back up after exposure to the acids in your vomit.
Maintaining a healthy mouth while you’re waiting for baby to arrive is important for you and the new addition to your family. Your dentist will be happy to help you greet your precious little one with a smile that is as healthy as it is happy.
About the Dentist
Dr. Wael Kassem is your skilled, friendly dentist in Williamstown. If you’re growing a tiny human, he would love to congratulate you and help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. You can contact our office at 856-818-9998.
