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In the midst of the dozens of healthcare appointments that an expectant mother has throughout her pregnancy, the dentist’s office is not often high on the list of priorities. However, there are some oral health concerns you need to monitor during this significant period. To keep your smile in check, here are a few dental care concerns to address while pregnant.

Do:

Tell your dentist you're pregnant as early as possible.

For the sake of your oral health, make sure your dentist is in the loop about your new addition. They will need to plan for your dental care over the next nine months since timing can be a crucial factor for preventative procedures. They will also keep an eye out for typical conditions that arise in expectant mothers—like gingivitis and gum disease—that can lead to gestational diabetes and other risks.

Stay on top of dental care.

dental careSince your hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy, your gums can become particularly susceptible to gum disease.Your dentist will likely hold off on standard teeth cleanings during your first trimester to see how these hormones affect your oral health. Regardless, you should check in them if you have gum issues, like bleeding and sensitivity, and keep up with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.

Get local anesthesia. 

If you need a dental procedure during pregnancy that requires numbing medications, don’t worry: they are safe for your baby. A 2015 study by the Journal of the American Dental Association concluded that women who received lidocaine shots while pregnant faced no increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or premature births.

Don't:

Perform elective procedures until after birth.

While preventative dental work such as cavity fillings or teeth cleanings are allowed during pregnancy, unnecessary procedures—like teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments—can wait until after your baby is born to minimize any risk factors. If you do need to receive any treatment from your dentist, the second trimester is the best time to do it; by the time your third trimester rolls around, it will be difficult for you to lie on your back for more than a few minutes.

Ignore tooth pain.

Like previously stated, pregnancy can wreak havoc on your oral health, so if you develop teeth or gum sensitivity, don’t suffer through it. Your dentist will help provide the necessary treatment to keep your smile healthy.

Brush teeth immediately after morning sickness.

This typical side effect for moms-to-be can leave you nauseous and regularly running to the bathroom to vomit. While your gut reaction would be to brush your teeth immediately after morning sickness, hold off on this dental care for at least a half hour. The contents of your stomach are acidic and can attack your teeth’s enamel when you get sick. By brushing them prematurely, you don’t allow this protective layer to sufficiently recover from the acidity.

Instead, rinse your mouth with water and rub a fluoride toothpaste on your teeth with your finger to give your enamel an extra boost. If the minty flavor of the toothpaste also triggers nausea, ask your dentist about a less flavorful alternative to use throughout your pregnancy.

 

It is essential to enlist a trusted dentist during your pregnancy to assure you and your baby’s health are of the utmost importance. For over 30 years, Cincinnati residents have turned to Lowitz & Meier for the highest quality family dentistry, from teeth cleanings to a variety of orthodontics. No matter what stage of life you’re in, their team brings an experienced skill set to the table to build a dental care plan best suited to your needs. For more information about their practice and to schedule an appointment, visit their website and call (513) 521-8900.

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