If you’ve recently learned that you’re expecting your first child, then you are probably already in the midst of a pregnancy research spiral. There’s a lot to take in. You suddenly have to consider how every one of your actions will affect your baby. Unfortunately, not all sources are created equally, and it’s up to you to sort through the good, the bad, and the ugly. When it comes to dental care during pregnancy, the proportion of misinformation is staggeringly high. Visiting the dentist during pregnancy is one area that you might have questions.
In reality, research indicates that regular dental care and procedures using local anesthetic pose no threat to you or your baby. To dispel rumors to the contrary, a study was performed in 2015. They compared pregnant women who underwent minor dental procedures using local anesthetic and those who had not. There was no evidence that basic dental procedures had any negative effect on the fetus.
Our goal as a cosmetic and emergency dentist in Irvine is to provide all our patients the unique care they need.
The Importance of Dental Care
The truth is that dental care is even more important for pregnant women. Hormonal changes women experience during pregnancy actually make them more susceptible to periodontal disease as well as a host of other dental conditions.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to bone loss. It can even cause secondary infections that could harm your baby. Some evidence even suggests that periodontal disease shows a correlation with preterm birth and even preeclampsia. These pose a threat to both of your lives.
Therefore, pregnant women must follow daily dental care routines and visit their local dentist as usual. In addition to preventing tooth decay, your dentist will be able to help you navigate the more uncomfortable pregnancy side effects that can affect your mouth.
Dental Side-Effects of Pregnancy
Pregnancy isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There’s all that swelling, exhaustion, and hormonal nonsense. If that wasn’t enough, it affects your mouth as well. Sure, we’ve talked about the increased chance periodontal disease. But there’s also dry mouth and pregnancy tumors. Sounds fun, right?
Fortunately, pregnancy tumors aren’t cancerous. The American Dental Association explains that the term is used to describe raw overgrowths of tissue that sometimes appear on the gums of pregnant women. They’re most likely a result of excessive plaque build-up, relating this condition to the overall increased susceptibility to tooth decay and gingivitis as a result of dry-mouth and increased carbohydrate consumption.
Given the multiple ways in which pregnancy can complicate your dental health, you must make your dentist aware of your condition as soon as possible. Letting them know will inform their x-ray practices and the medications they can prescribe. It will also prompt them to look out for any pregnancy-related dental conditions.
Your Health and Pregnancy
If you’re making a tiny human being inside of you, then you are all too aware that they are relying on you for everything. Everything that enters your body affects them. So, protecting your oral health is paramount. Controlling the number of bacteria in your mouth by practicing daily oral hygiene and visiting your dentist at OC Dental Specialists is a major safeguard for you and your baby’s health.
If you have any concerns regarding dental care during pregnancy, then speak with your licensed obstetrician and your dentist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Use their expertise to help you navigate this challenging time in your life and ensure that you and your baby receive the best care.