Did you know that having good oral health is just as important for you as it is for your baby? More research is showing just how important having a healthy smile can be for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Since pregnant women experience hormone changes that can affect their smile, getting a checkup from your dentist if you plan on becoming pregnant or if you are pregnant can help you enjoy pregnancy even more and have a beautiful smile during this time too!
The following are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t neglect to schedule your prenatal care checkup with your dentist.
Prevent Bacteria from Being Transferred to Your Child
According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, If your smile contains bacteria that cause tooth decay, you could pass these bacteria on to your child through kissing, sharing utensils, and otherwise transferring saliva once your baby is born [1].
By getting a checkup with your dentist, you can help ensure that your smile is free of tooth decay so that you won’t have to worry about passing on bacteria once your beautiful baby is here!
It’s Safe to Receive Treatment During Pregnancy
Even if you haven’t visited the dentist before your pregnancy, it’s a good time to make an
appointment while you’re pregnant. It’s safe to get treatment for gum disease, take x-rays, and even receive local anesthesia while you’re carrying your baby [2].
There’s no reason to put off treatment for tooth decay or gum disease during your pregnancy, so don’t wait to talk to your dentist about your oral health.
Help Prevent Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight
Gum disease in pregnant mothers has been linked to premature birth and babies with a low birth weight. Research suggest that bacteria that causes gum inflammation can enter the bloodstream and affect your developing baby, leading to premature labor and a lower than normal birth weight [3].
Getting gum disease under control prior to or during your pregnancy can help you carry your baby to term and deliver a healthy baby. With nearly half of all American adults having gum disease, preventive measures are important for those who plan to conceive!
Prevent and Address Oral Health Issues During Pregnancy
Bacteria aren’t the only things that can cause gum problems and other oral health issues during pregnancy. Pregnant women experience a fluctuation of hormones as their pregnancy progresses that can make gum tissue swell and become more tender and sensitive [4].
These symptoms usually peak in the second trimester and in most cases, diminish after your baby is born. However, given the fact that we know the risk gum disease poses for unborn babies, seeking advice from your professional dentist during this time is important to ensure you take care of your smile for your baby.
With all the things going on during your pregnancy, it’s understandable that you’d neglect to visit your dentist for your checkup. However, getting a prenatal care checkup from your oral health provider is just as important as keeping up with your other appointments. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this is a great time to schedule an appointment with your dentist!
Sources:
1. https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Health-Care-for-Underserved-Women/Oral-Health-Care-During-Pregnancy-and-Through-the-Lifespan
2. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=134&contentid=84
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217279/
4. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/swollen-gums-during-pregnancy/
