Pregnancy and Dental Health: What You Need to Know When Expecting

Dental health is an important element in your overall health and can often have surprising impacts. That’s true during pregnancy as well. 

The expert dentists at all locations of 2K Dental offer services specifically for pregnant women. In this post, we provide information about how the changes associated with pregnancy can affect your dental health. Getting appropriate dental care gives you more time to think about the exciting aspects of expecting a new family member. 

Your dental health and pregnancy

During pregnancy, the hormone levels in your body change dramatically, and that leads to all sorts of effects, some of which may seem unrelated and odd. The big swings in your hormones also affect your oral health. Some studies even show that pregnant women have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease than they had prior to pregnancy. 

Changes in how you eat during pregnancy may also have an impact on your dental health. Eating more sugary or starchy foods can mean more bacteria on your teeth, for example, or if you have frequent morning sickness, your teeth are exposed to more stomach acid.

If morning sickness is an issue, you should rinse your mouth with water and baking soda right away. The mixture neutralizes the pH levels in your mouth. Remember to wait at least 30 minutes after you vomit before you brush your teeth.

Good dental hygiene, like brushing twice each day, flossing daily, and avoiding sugary foods and beverages, helps prevent cavities during pregnancy, but it’s important to go to the dentist at least once early in  your pregnancy. That visit will help make sure you don’t have any serious issues to address.

Pregnancy risks and dental health

In the same way your overall health is important when it comes to fetal development, your dental health can affect your baby’s future dental health. It’s possible to transmit a bacteria associated with dental decay during pregnancy and after birth. 

If you have untreated dental issues while you’re pregnant, your baby may have dental problems in the future. Your dental issues could also bring about risks during birth or impact your baby’s health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that periodontitis (gum disease) is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. That includes preterm birth and low birth weight caused by higher levels of increased inflammation. The organization also estimates that most pregnant women, between 60-75%, have early-stage gum disease. 

By visiting your dentist early in your pregnancy, you can avert the risks associated with gum disease.

Pregnancy and dental procedures

You may be wondering if getting dental work during pregnancy is safe. Generally speaking, the answer is yes. Most dental procedures are completely safe at any point during your pregnancy. Handling problems early reduces the likelihood of complications.

Even procedures such as root canals and fillings can be performed during pregnancy because local anesthetics are safe. We use safety equipment such as leaded aprons for procedures such as X-rays. 

We’re always happy to provide advice based on your individual situation. If you have any questions about dental health during pregnancy, schedule an appointment at the most convenient location of 2K Dental today.