Post written by Dr. Stacia D. Kelly. Follow her on twitter.
If you fear or avoid the dentist, now is the time to get over it. After all those years of braces and surgeries, I drag my feet about going. But, when I found out I was pregnant with our now 6 year old, I made that appointment and kept it.
You need to get a dental checkup early in your pregnancy to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy. Half of all pregnant women experience tenderness, swelling and bleeding of their gums during pregnancy. While gingivitis is not harmful to you or your baby, the more advanced health problem, periodontal disease can affect the baby as well. Perio.org states “pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that’s born too early and too small.”
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, not to worry! Your dentist will most likely recommend you come in for scaling and root planning. This is a process that removes the plaque and tartar from your teeth, and, removes the dangerous toxins called prostaglandin. As a bonus, any tenderness and swelling should be alleviated.
To avoid gingivitis and subsequently, periodontal disease, make sure you are practicing good dental hygiene. Some recommendations:
- Brush and floss regularly
- Rinse with salt water rinses, avoid over the counter mouthwashes
- Keep up with your calcium supplements
- Maintain good nutrition with leafy greens, yogurt, and low fat cheeses
If you teeth start to hurt, even a little, make a dental appointment. Inform the dentist you’re pregnant so they can add you to the schedule immediately.
Resources for more information:
Great tooth products to use during (and beyond) pregnancy:
Recommended calcium supplements – great brands for you to choose from:
- Max Muscle Sports Nutrition – ask for their Liquid Calcium Magnesium (CalMag)
- Usana Active Calcium - or Chewable Active Calcium (great for those with sensitive stomachs)
- nutraMETRIX – Advanced Neutraceuticals – Calcium Complete
If you missed it, don’t forget to catch up with the posts in this series:
- Pregnancy Week 0 ~ Baby Brain Development – written by Corry L. Matthews
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