Pregnancy and Dentistry

Dental health is critical to everyone's overall health. It's even more essential to take care of teeth and gums during pregnancy. Pregnancy might bring hormonal changes that could increase the risk of dental health problems. These problems might affect the developing baby's health or could lead to pregnancy complications like premature birth. Hence, it is crucial to get a dental checkup during pregnancy to maintain your dental health.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Dental Health?

Increased levels of certain hormones, changes in eating or oral hygiene habits, etc., during pregnancy, could increase the risk for dental problems, including:

• Cavities 
• Gingivitis
• Periodontal disease 
• Loose teeth
• Pregnancy tumors/ pyogenic granuloma
• Tooth erosion arising from vomiting

Symptoms of Dental Problems During Pregnancy

Visit your dentist at Healthy Smiles of Birmingham for a checkup if you develop any of these signs of dental issues during pregnancy:

• Severe bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Mouth sores or lumps on the gums
• New gaps between the teeth
• Receding gums 
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Toothache or infection

How To Prevent Dental Problems During Pregnancy?

Here are some tips and recommendations on caring for dental health before and during pregnancy:

Before Pregnancy

Consult your dentist before you get pregnant to have a detailed oral examination done. Get your teeth professionally cleaned, gum tissue examined, and any oral health concerns treated before pregnancy.

During Pregnancy

• Follow a proper daily oral hygiene habit. For optimum dental health, brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss teeth at least once daily. It is important to emphasize good daily oral hygiene during pregnancy due to the increased risk of gingivitis and caries.
• Before visiting the dentist, check with your obstetrician for any special instructions. 
• Visit your dentist for biannual dental examinations and teeth cleaning.
• During the dental visits, inform your dentist that you are pregnant though it is safe to do all the routine dental care and treatments during pregnancy. However, postpone all elective dental procedures until after the delivery. 
• Inform your dentist of all the medications you are taking. Your dentist may need this information to plan your dental treatment.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can affect dental health and the unborn baby's health.
• Eat healthy foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and vitamin-filled foods to give you and your developing baby essential nutrients. The baby's teeth start developing inside the fetus. Nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, protein, and vitamins help in the development of ṭhe baby's teeth.

During pregnancy, various physiologic changes happen to the woman to support a new life. If you are pregnant, seek medical and dental care during pregnancy. We provide high-quality and safe dental care to pregnant patients to make them feel at ease and comfortable. 

Call Healthy Smiles of Birmingham at (205) 991-9535 or schedule an appointment online.