3 Reasons To See Your Dentist During Pregnancy

With all the excitement of preparing to welcome a new baby, your own dental hygiene may not be first on your to-do list. Though it's not as fun as decorating the nursery or picking out the perfect baby name, visiting the dentist at a clinic like Waterford Dental during pregnancy is very important to a woman's overall health and well-being. In addition, knowing your teeth and gums are healthy before your baby arrives will allow you to focus more on getting to know your precious little one when the time comes.

Diagnose and Treat Potential Pregnancy Gingivitis

Due to the many hormonal changes a woman undergoes during pregnancy, increased blood flow can cause gums to bleed more than usual during routine oral care. While this bleeding is very common in pregnant women, only a dentist will be able to evaluate whether it could be a symptom of a more serious problem like gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Seeing your dental professional during pregnancy will let you know if bleeding gums, swelling, or tenderness are normal or a cause for concern. A dentist can also prescribe an oral hygiene plan to help with these symptoms, such as more frequent brushing and flossing.

Keep Your Pearly Whites Healthy

Pregnant women are actually at higher risk for cavities and other oral health problems, often due to dietary changes.  If you're experiencing morning sickness, there may be higher acid levels in your mouth, which is a contributing factor in tooth decay.  Nausea may also cause pregnant women to change their diets, accidentally leading to deficiencies in Vitamins A and D, increased carbohydrates and sugar intake, and an overall lack of essential nutrients. Though these pregnancy symptoms tend to fade in the second trimester, the effects they have on your teeth and gums should be evaluated and treated by a dentist as soon as possible. A thorough dental cleaning with oral antiseptic rinse from a dentist's office will also help strengthen teeth and prevent further decay.

Prevent Other Pregnancy Complications from Arising

With so much to do in preparing for baby's arrival, many pregnant women let their oral hygiene routine slide. However, failing to brush and floss twice a day has been associated with other pregnancy complications that may turn up later. These include intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and even premature delivery. Seeing a dentist while pregnant is one more way to keep yourself and your growing baby healthy during pregnancy.