Pregnancy And Oral Health
Are you planning to add to your family sometime soon? Or perhaps you or someone you know is already pregnant. During this exciting time of planning and preparing for a new baby (or babies!), caring for your oral health may not really be on your radar, but that should not be the case. Expectant and new mothers are often surprised to learn that pregnancy not only changes their bodies but can have lasting effects on dental health as well. Hormonal changes can impact your oral health and leave you more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Below are recommendations for your oral health during all stages of pregnancy.
Dental Care Before Pregnancy
While not all pregnancies are planned or expected, if you are someone who is planning on becoming pregnant soon, we recommend scheduling an oral hygiene examination beforehand. We can ensure there are no current problems with your oral health. There are certain dental treatments that are not recommended during pregnancy, so we would recommend completing these procedures if needed. Additionally, we can document the state of your teeth and gums before you get pregnant to monitor them throughout your pregnancy.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
If you are due for your oral hygiene examination and cleaning during your pregnancy, we encourage you to keep your appointment. It is important for us to check your teeth and gums during your pregnancy. We also encourage all of our pregnant patients to brush and clean their teeth as usual. We know this can be challenging if you are experiencing nausea, but cleaning your teeth is extremely important, especially if there is vomiting.
Dental Care After Pregnancy
We know it can be difficult for new moms to adjust to the baby’s schedule, and they may be tempted to postpone their dental appointments. We highly encourage you to continue to visit our office as scheduled. Now is the time to schedule any treatments you may have postponed during your pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or thinking of adding to your family in the near future, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for a hygiene examination. We look forward to seeing you in our office, which is located in Northridge, CA, soon.
