Pregnancy and Your Dental Health: What Every Mother-to-be Should Know

Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life. There’s so much to do to get ready for the baby’s arrival. You’re reading all the books, preparing the nursery, buying clothes — plus, you’re making sure everything is on track with both the baby’s health and your health.

Amid all this activity, you may not have thought of one important health aspect that affects pregnancy: your oral health.

You may have even heard contradictory advice about going to the dentist while you’re pregnant. At Portrait Dental, we’re here to set the record straight with what every mother-to-be should know about pregnancy and your dental health.

What to do during pregnancy

Though some moms believe it’s best to avoid the dentist altogether during pregnancy for fear of harming the baby, the evidence is clear: Not taking care of your teeth during pregnancy can hurt more than help.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase your risk of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems. Pregnancy gingivitis affects 60% to 75% of expectant moms, plus poor oral health has been connected to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth.

 As an expecting mom, if your oral health is poor, this can increase the risk of oral health issues in your children as well.

All this means you should definitely continue your normal oral health routines during pregnancy: Brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once daily, eat a healthy diet that limits sugar, and continue your regular dental cleanings.

You should let your dentist know that you’re pregnant so they’re aware, but routine dental care will not cause any problems for your baby. This includes local anesthetics, antibiotics, and dental X-rays with proper shielding. 

You should also treat any urgent issues, such as a tooth infection or abscess, immediately to prevent complications.

What not to do during pregnancy

Routine dental care is safe during pregnancy, but you should postpone or delay any non-urgent or elective procedures. This includes cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening or veneers, and major dental surgeries such as wisdom teeth extraction or implants. 

You should also avoid nitrous oxide (laughing gas), tetracycline antibiotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during your third trimester.

One other note: If morning sickness causes you to throw up frequently, use water or a fluoride mouthwash to rinse your mouth afterward. Don’t brush your teeth immediately — stomach acid can weaken your enamel, so you want that to dissipate before brushing.

In short, you don’t have to do much differently concerning oral health while you’re pregnant, other than delaying elective procedures. You should continue your regular dental routine to prevent any potential adverse effects for your child.

If you need to set up a routine cleaning, our team at Portrait Dental will be happy to help. To schedule an appointment, just call our Katy office or book your own time with our online scheduler.