If you’re an expectant mother, you’re probably diligent about taking care of your health because you know that everything you do could affect the precious little life growing inside of you. That’s why you take lots of vitamins, eat wholesome foods, and never skip your appointments with your doctor. But visiting your dentist near Liberty, MO is also important while you’re hosting a tiny human inside you! Here’s why you shouldn’t be a stranger at your dentist’s office during your pregnancy.
Your entire body experiences changes while you’re pregnant, including your teeth and gums. Here are just a few examples:
- The continual vomiting that comes with morning sickness may cause permanent damage to your tooth enamel. If you struggle with severe nausea, be sure to rinse your mouth with water after you vomit, but don’t brush your teeth right away; your enamel will be weaker right after you throw up, so it’s important to give it a chance to harden again before you use a toothbrush. Your dentist might be able to recommend products to keep your teeth strong despite your upset tummy.
- Changes in hormones may lead to pregnancy gingivitis. Your dentist will be able to spot this and give you advice on how to prevent complications from this condition. This is especially important because gum disease in pregnant women has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Cravings might lead you to eat more foods that aren’t good for your teeth, such as candies and other sugar-filled treats. Your dentist can clean your teeth and help to prevent decay.
It’s Important That You Let Your Dentist Know What’s Going On
If it isn’t obvious to onlookers that you’re expecting a baby, you need to outright tell your dentist that you’re pregnant. Your condition will require that your dentist takes special measures to protect your baby’s health during your appointments. Here are a few examples:
- Dental X-rays are a safe diagnostic tool, but they’re not generally recommended for pregnant women.
- Your dentist may want to take your blood pressure when you come in for an appointment. That way, they can help you and your pregnancy doctor lookout for signs of preeclampsia.
- A few medications that are used in dentistry aren’t safe for pregnant women.
- During the later stages of your pregnancy, your dentist may need to adjust the chair in a certain way so you don’t feel faint during your treatment.
Avoid Becoming a High-Risk Dental Patient
Pregnancy is a miracle of nature, but it requires that mothers and the medical and dental professionals who look after them take certain precautions. If you notice any of the following during your pregnancy, you should see your Liberty dentist as soon as you can:
- Your gums are tender, swollen, or bleeding.
- You have pain in your mouth that might be an abscess.
- You have oral health problems that make it difficult for you to take in proper nutrition.
You want to preserve your smile so your child can enjoy it for many decades to come! That’s why dental care during pregnancy is so important.
About the Dentist
Dr. Michael C. Byars is your dentist near Liberty, MO. He is proud to care for folks in the community and takes a compassionate approach to dentistry. If you’re an expectant mother and have concerns about your oral health, please contact us at 816-781-8222.