Dental Care During Pregnancy
Women who are currently pregnant should tell their dentist
and discuss postponing routine dental X-rays until after the
baby is born, Dr. Green said.
"Preterm birth and low birth weight are serious and costly
problems in this country," said Nancy S. Green, M.D., medical
director of the March of Dimes. "The March of Dimes urges all
women of childbearing age to take a number of simple steps
prior to pregnancy to help ensure the best possible start in
life for their future babies. These include getting a medical
checkup, a dental checkup, and taking a multivitamin containing
folic acid every day."
During pregnancy, your gums are more likely to become
inflamed or infected. Most pregnant women have some bleeding of
their gums, especially while brushing or flossing their teeth.
Inflamed gums are called "gingivitis." Infected gums are called
"periodontal disease."
You may also notice that your mouth produces more saliva
during pregnancy.
Causes of Gum and Teeth Changes During Pregnancy
Your gums and teeth may change during pregnancy because
of:
* Hormonal changes that occur
* Increased blood flow throughout your body that can cause
swelling, sensitivity and tenderness in your gums
Follow these tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy
during pregnancy:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If possible, brush
after every meal for at least five minutes at a time. If you
vomit, brush your teeth afterwards to clean your teeth and
mouth.
Be gentle. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush gently. If
you have a lot of sensitivity, try using toothpaste designed
for sensitive gums. If your gums hurt after brushing, apply ice
to soothe the pain.
Floss daily. If possible, floss after every meal.
Cut down on sweets. Candy, cookies, cake, soft drinks and
other sweets can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
Get regular dental care. Be sure to have a dental checkup
early in pregnancy to help your mouth remain healthy. You may
even want to see your dentist more often than usual.
Don't put off dental work until after delivery. Decaying
teeth can cause infection that could harm your baby. Always be
sure to tell your dentist that you're pregnant and how far
along you are.
Schedule a dental appointment immediately if:
- Your gums bleed a lot
- Your gums are painful
- You have bad breath that doesn't go away
- You lose a tooth
- You have a lump or growth in your mouth
- You have pain in a tooth
|
