Pregnancy Is Not a Reason to Stop Seeing Your Dentist
- Posted on: Jun 15 2018
Life changes from the moment you find out you’re pregnant. Understandably, the usual business of life takes on new meaning. There is a lot to learn about how your body will change and how you must deal with those changes. Frequent doctor’s visits to monitor your growing baby may take over as priority Number One. We get it. At the same time, we want to point out that dental care is also vital to your health as well as the health of your baby.
Pregnancy and Tooth Decay
There are certain conditions for which you are more at risk during pregnancy. Cavities are one of them. Here’s why:
- Morning sickness. We could blame so much on morning sickness, couldn’t we! Depending on the severity of this common pregnancy side-effect, the mouth may become more acidic than is optimal. Higher acidity due to nausea and vomiting can lead to tooth erosion and decay. Brushing more frequently may not be the answer because acidity softens enamel. Talk to Dr. Young about protecting your teeth from acidic corrosion.
- Diet changes. There may be no other time in our life when we are so free with our eating habits than during pregnancy. Shifting hormones bring on cravings for all sorts of oddities. Some of the common foods that women crave, including sour candies and ice cream, feed oral bacteria that cause decay.
- Dry mouth. Saliva is integral to sugar and acid dilution. Therefore, a lack of adequate saliva flow increases cavity risk because sugars and acids are sitting directly on enamel.
- The increased production of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy has been associated with cavities as well as gum disease.
These pregnancy-related risks mean that you need to be even more mindful of how you brush and floss, as well as how much water you are consuming, during this time in life.
Dentistry and Pregnancy DO Go Together
There is a common misperception that pregnant women should not see the dentist. Due to the increased risks of decay and inflammation, pregnancy is a time during which dental care becomes even more crucial to health and wellness. Women can maintain their biannual exams and cleanings, though these visits will not involve x-rays. Staying up to date with preventive care can mean healthier mom and healthier baby.
Schedule a Consultation
We’d love to see you in Warrensburg, Windsor, or Oak Grove. Schedule your visit with us at 660-747-9117.
Posted in: Dental Health