Dental Care and Pregnancy: What Women Should Know
General wellness is important for a problem-free pregnancy, and dental health plays a big part in that. Studies have shown a potential correlation between gum disease during pregnancy and problems during pregnancy and childbirth. This isn't to say that gum disease leads to potential health issues for a mother and child, but that total wellness is crucial and that you cannot take your dental health for granted.
Dr. James M. Stein has helped countless women throughout the Boston area achieve excellent dental health before, during, and after pregnancy by using state-of-the-art restorative dentistry treatments focused on total wellness. With this all in mind, let's consider the dental care needs of women who are pregnant.
Proper Dental Care Before a Woman Is Pregnant
If you and your partner are trying to become pregnant or if you are working with fertility specialists to become pregnant, it's a good idea to speak with your dentist about any major dental work that may need to be performed. This will allow your dentist to determine if the work can be initiated before pregnancy or if it would be better to wait until after childbirth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
During pregnancy, women should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss every night as they are instructed. This will allow them to have good dental health throughout the pregnancy. Brushing and flossing after every meal is most ideal.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
Women should attend their normal dental visits as scheduled during their pregnancy. Patients should tell their doctors if they are taking any medication or vitamin supplements as well any other health matters related to their pregnancy that may have a bearing on the dental treatment process. In most cases, dentists will want to perform just basic treatments when it comes to dental health and wellness.
Are dental x-rays dangerous to a developing fetuses?
While the radiation exposure from dental x-rays is very low, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to dental x-rays. Pregnant women will only undergo dental x-rays when they face major dental emergencies, and in those cases, multiple precautions will be taken to limit the radiation exposure, particularly to the torso and abdominal area.
Proper Dental Care After Pregnancy
After childbirth, dental treatments can resume as normal. Any major dental work postponed until after giving birth will be initiated around this time.
Pediatric Dental Care: When to Bring In Your Baby
Many parents have asked us when they should bring in their child for their first dental visit. Ideally, parents should bring their child to the dentist for the first time within the first six months after the emergence of the first tooth. This will allow the child to have his or her dental ridges looked at and for parents to get the info they need to ensure proper dental health for their child in the years to come.
Contact Dr. James M. Stein
For more information about advanced dental care, it's important for you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Stein and the entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve excellent dental health and wellness.
