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Expecting Mothers and Oral Health

First we would like to congratulate you on your pregnancy! This is an exciting time for you and your family!

Oral Health during Pregnancy

It is highly recommended that you keep your routine dental appointments through out the entire pregnancy due to hormone changes that occur durring this time. Changing levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones increase your risk of developing Pregnancy Gingivits.

You may notice that your gums become red and swollen, and may even bleed more easily. This is what is called Pregnancy Gingivits. The severity of gingivitis may increase between your second and third trimester. Studies have shown the bacteria that causes pregnancy gingivitis can also leas to pre-term delivery and/or low bith rates. To help prevent this, you should brush and floss twice a day to maintian a good oral health. It is important to know that these oral changes will continue after your pregnancy especially if you shoose to nurse.

Even though you are pregnant it is highly recommended that you visit the dentist for your routine dental cleanings. Most dentists are now recommending that patients that are pregnant be seen every 3 months for their dental cleanings. More complicated dental treatments like wisdom teeth extractions and root canals should be done before or after the pregnancy.

Woman who experience morning sickness, such as frequent vomiting are at an increase risk of developing enamel erosion on the back of their teeth. IF you are experiencing this, or if this is becoming a problem, please contact your dentist.

It is common for most women to have food cravings during pregnancy. Typically thesee cravings are for foods that are high in sugar content. This increases your risk of tooth decay, so it is recommended that you consume these foods during regular meals instead of snacking though out the day.

Again, congratulations on your pregnancy and please feel free to call our Louisville  Dental office or the Clarksville Dental office to schedule an appointment for your dental needs.