You have been going to the dentist every six months all your life. Your dentist says your teeth are perfectly healthy and you are very proud of yourself. Now you are pregnant, and you wonder if you have to change your lifelong habit by not going to the dentist during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also be a source of anxiety and worry for many mothers to be. Going to the dentist probably will be the last thing on your list but it’s very important to take good care of your teeth during pregnancy.
Your mouth will be affected greatly by the hormonal changes you experience during pregnancy. You will be more prone to cavities due to change of diet and habits. Morning sickness can also increase the amount of acid that might be exposed to your mouth and causing damage of the enamel of your teeth.
There’s also another condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” it is caused by the hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to the gum tissue and causing the gums to be more sensitive, irritable and swollen. The hormonal changes can also hinder the body’s normal response to bacteria which can cause periodontal infections. Leaving it untreated can lead to a more serious form of gum disease and causing irreversible damage to your gum tissue. Thus, it is very important to go to the dentist regularly for general check-up even during pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy.
According to a study published in the August 2015 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, it shows that dental treatments that used anesthetics like lidocaine shots are safe during pregnancy, as they cause no difference in the rate of miscarriages, birth defects, prematurity or weight of the baby.
Also, American Dental Association and The American college of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both states that having dental X-rays during pregnancy is considered safe as long as there’s appropriate shielding.
Dental check-ups and teeth cleaning during pregnancy is totally safe. So don’t let that stop you from going to the dentist to keep you and you baby healthy. You can also learn more about dental visits during pregnancy by checking out the articles below:
Contact us at info@ppdental.com.sg or visit us at www.ppdental.com.sg to schedule an appointment for all your dental needs, even during pregnancy.
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