Pregnant? Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Teeth!

It is understandable that when you are pregnant, some things you would normally do just don’t get done. You may not feel up to pulling weeds, fixing that leaky sink, or cleaning out the garage. And, you may feel like some things can just wait – you may not feel like going to the dentist is a priority at this time. However, there are some very good reasons why this is one thing you should not skip! 

It is important for your health

Besides your regular cleaning and checkup, your dentist will want to check for two things: pregnancy gingivitis and pregnancy tumors. “Pregnancy tumors” aren’t as serious as they sound. These refer to a swelling of the gums that can be caused by excess plaque, and they usually appear in the second trimester. “Pregnancy gingivitis” is an inflammation of the gums that is caused by all of the hormonal changes your body is going through. This condition may cause your gums to feel tender, and it may lead to gum disease if it isn’t treated. 

Your dentist will also want to check for tooth decay, as a change in diet and morning sickness can increase your mouth’s exposure to acid, which can increase your risk for tooth decay. 

It is safe

You may be wondering about anesthetics, medications your dentist may prescribe, and dental x-rays, and how safe these are for the baby. X-rays and anesthetics are safe for both you and baby, and your dentist will know which medications are safe for you to use. Of course, you should tell your dentist you are pregnant (or if you think you might be pregnant) at the very beginning of your appointment, so that he or she can take this into account while treating you. 

You may think that taking care of your teeth isn’t that important when you’ve got so much else going on. But it is! Consider a trip to the dentist one more way to keep yourself healthy during this crazy time. You can count on Pacific Northwest Smiles to help you take care of yourself. Call 425-357-6400 for an appointment today!