Precautions For Expectant Moms
New Jersey dentist, Dr. Steve Markus offers advice for expectant mothers on how to take care of their teeth and gums. Dr, Markus and his team at the Centre For Dentistry understand how an expecting mother's teeth and gums change during pregnancy. Many women overlook this fact and are unaware of the simple things that can be done to help with these changes. A woman’s gum tissue changes during
pregnancy. First-time
mothers tell us, “I knew my body was going through major changes, but I
didn’t
realize my mouth was too!” During pregnancy, a surge of hormones (mainly
estrogen) creates an increase in the plaque build up on the teeth. The tissue
in the lining of the uterus is almost identical to the tissue in the mouth.
When one changes, so does the other. If the pregnancy plaque isn’t removed,
it
may cause a gum condition called “pregnancy gingivitis”.
INFECTED GUMS CAN AFFECT THE FETUS
The more infected your gums and teeth become,
the greater the chances are that bacteria will travel through your bloodstream
to your fetus. This causes an immune response that damages the tissues in the
placenta and sometimes prompts premature labor and /or a low birth-weight baby.
Do a little investigating. Pull your
lip down and inspect
your mouth and gums for:
- Puffy and red gums
- Tender and bleeding gums while brushing and flossing
- White, Sticky plaque around the teeth and gums
The Best Ways to Care for Your Teeth
Your daily brushing routine is very
important during your pregnancy, but some moms complain that brushing their
teeth in the morning
makes their morning sickness worse. If that is the case for you, rinse your
mouth with water or anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwash. Later in the morning,
after the mourning sickness passes, give your teeth a good brushing and
flossing. Here are some other tips for keeping your teeth healthy while you’re’
pregnant:
- Keep teeth clean, particularly around the gum line
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste thee or more times a day
- Floss three or more times a day when possible.
DENTAL VISITS DURING PREGNANCY
As soon as you know that you are pregnant, visit
your dentist for an overall evaluation of your teeth and gums and a good
cleaning. At that time, the dentist or hygienist can you’ve you special mouth
care tips to use during your pregnancy.
- Continue regular dental visits throughout pregnancy.
- Avoid any elective treatment during the first three months
of pregnancy
- X-rays are NOT recommended. If an emergency makes x-rays
necessary, be sure to wear two lead aprons. If you have any question
concerning x-rays consult immediately with your OB/GYN.
Sink your teeth into this: Most dental procedures can be
done anytime during pregnancy, especially regularly scheduled hygiene
appointments. We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep teeth and
gums clean. A month or two after birth, it is time to get a full check up to
determine what effects the pregnancy had on your teeth and gums. It is a good
time, because you are normally out of work, and if you can find someone to
leave the baby with for a while, it can provide a short rest, and break in the
routine. Many of our patients relish this time, and use the time after their
visit to get some shopping done. We promise, we will fib for you and say you
can’t come to the phone. Go out and get some pampering. You deserve it mom!
Excerpted with the author's permission from "I Hate Dentists! The Feel-Good
Guide to Going to the Dentist" We invite you to stop in with your child,
and tour our office. We will be happy to give you a copy of "From Womb
to Wisdom", a guide about caring for your children's teeth. We strongly
recommend that such an introductory visit occur at around age 12 months. Please
call ahead to make sure we are available for your tour.
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