05 Dec Pregnancy and Your Dental Health
It’s very important to take good care of your mouth and teeth during pregnancy. Pregnancy places strong demands on the body, and awareness of how your body can change and react to these demands will help you stay healthy. If you are pregnant and require dental care, our dentist serving San Antonio TX can help you with all of your dental needs.
Changes in Oral Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes numerous hormones to be circulated throughout the body, helping your baby grow and ensuring a safe delivery. However, these hormones can also have side effects that affect your oral health. You might discover, for instance, that your gums are more sensitive and more likely to bleed when you brush and floss your teeth. You will also be more susceptible to gingivitis and gum disease during your pregnancy.
Because of these changes, it’s very important to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit your dentist regularly throughout your pregnancy. In the early days, be sure that your dentist is aware that you are pregnant in order to protect your baby from possibly harmful exposure to X-rays.
Oral Care During Pregnancy
During your pregnancy, be sure to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for your normally scheduled cleanings and other appointments. Your dentist will probably want to delay diagnostic X-rays unless they are absolutely necessary. Dental X-rays produce a very small level of radiation, but since your baby is growing very rapidly, it is best to avoid any exposure at all.
You might also need to check the fluoride levels in your drinking water, especially if your water comes from a well. If there is not enough fluoride in your water, your dentist might recommend a supplement to be sure your baby’s teeth develop properly. On the other hand, if there is too much fluoride in your drinking water, your dentist might recommend bottled or filtered water to prevent discoloration on your baby’s teeth.
To find out more about how to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, please call 210.616.0858 to schedule an appointment.