When you’re having a baby, your body has different health care needs, and that includes your teeth. To keep up to date with dental care while pregnant, use these frequently asked questions.

A Brief Guide to Dental Care During Pregnancy 

Is dental work safe during pregnancy?

It’s possible to do general dental care during pregnancy at any time, although it’s safer to perform cleaning, whitenings, fillings, and extractions during the second trimester. During this stage, the fetal organs have fully developed, and there are few to no complications with the fetus and the mother. Keep in mind that antibiotics and pain medications may still present risks.

How does pregnancy affect my teeth?

Pregnant women have increased estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to oral health complications. Most women also neglect to floss because their gums are more tender. As a result, 60 to 75% of pregnant women develop some level of gum disease.

Pregnant women are also susceptible to other dental conditions, including tooth erosion due to stomach acid exposure from morning sickness, loose teeth from loss of calcium, tumors, periodontal disease, and cavities.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Look out for pain and swelling of any kind in your mouth. Bad breath, mouth sores, or receding gums could be signs of a more serious issue or early signs of gum disease. If you notice your gums are red, shiny, or swollen and bleed easily, contact your dentist.

How can you prevent these issues?

Book a checkup every six months, and speak to your dentist about appropriate treatments while you’re pregnant. The medications and vitamins you take will be different than usual, so you may require specialized dental care.

Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, unless it induces vomiting. Instead, use antacids and limit eating sweets. Take an ample amount of vitamins A, C, D, calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Finally, don’t smoke.

If you’re concerned about the effects pregnancy has on your oral health, contact the specialists at Implant Center of Maui in Kahului, HI. For more than 30 years, they’ve served their community with preventive care, cosmetic services, and periodontics solutions. Call them today at (808) 877-3606 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their procedures on their website.