Posted: June 5, 2018
Routine dental care is an essential component of a healthy pregnancy. Below, we've covered some of the basics of dentistry as it relates to your growing baby. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call our Rochester dentists at 585-227-4390.
Great dental hygiene stays the same.
Continue to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Let the dentist know you are pregnant, and we will determine if there are any ways you can improve or tailor your dental hygiene routine, but for most women, sticking to the standard at-home routine is adequate.
Swish with water after a morning sickness episode.
Nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day or night while you're pregnant. The acid in vomit is bad for your teeth. It can erode the enamel, and it makes the enamel softer for a while. Because the enamel is softer and vulnerable to toothbrush bristles right after vomiting, you should swish and rinse with water and brush your teeth later, once the enamel has hardened up. You may want to mix baking soda in with the water to fight odor and neutralize acid.
Stick with those scheduled dental appointments.
Some women skip their regular dental appointments until after their baby is born. It's perfectly safe to receive cleanings and exams while pregnant, and it is in fact recommended. These appointments help us prevent and detect any signs of gum disease or other dental problems, which could affect your pregnancy. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Although there is some association in the research, we do not want to cause any undue stress or fear! Many women don't visit the dentist while pregnant and enjoy a healthy pregnancy nonetheless. But by visiting our dentists, we can make sure your oral health is in tip-top shape, which will not cause harm to the baby and may even be good for the course of the pregnancy.
You may experience gingivitis.
The rise in hormones while you're pregnant can make your gums softer, and therefore more vulnerable to bacteria and inflammation. It's normal to have mild gingivitis, including bleeding, red and irritated gums. Visit our dentist for tips tailored to the gum issues you are experiencing.
Getting dental work while you are pregnant.
The American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say that necessary dental treatments, such as fillings and tooth crowns, are safe to receive during pregnancy. They also encourage women to get these treatments if they need them during pregnancy, since delaying them may lead to bigger dental problems.
The second trimester tends to be the ideal time for getting dental work. During your third trimester, lying down for treatment may be really uncomfortable.
Unnecessary procedures, such as teeth whitening or possibly even replacing a missing tooth, may be delayed until after the birth of your child. For procedures that don't make a difference to your immediate dental health, it is oftentimes easier to delay them and avoid any stress, anxiety or issues they may present.
Our dentists can help you decide which treatments to pursue and which to delay. We're with you every step of the way.
Arrange Your Appointment
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment at our Rochester, NY dental office, please call the practice of Dr. Meredith Pogal and Dr. Paul Sussman at 585-227-4390. We proudly care for expecting moms, families, individuals, children and all of our guests who visit us from across the area, including Greece, Webster and Fairport.
