Visiting your dentist is always an important, but sometimes overlooked detail. But your oral health is especially important when you are pregnant. Taking care of your teeth and gums can make a difference for your baby, both before your child is born as well as after.
Protect the Oral Health of Your Children
Protecting the oral health of your young one starts with a good dental regime during pregnancy. Yes! Your oral health during pregnancy can have an impact on your child. Poor oral health in the mother has been linked to poor oral heath for baby and increased cavities in young children
Protect Those Tiny Teeth
Health care providers and dentists alike are giving more attention to oral health as part of prenatal care. Dental issues during pregnancy can have a negative effect on the well-being of the mother and the unborn child. In fact, pregnant mothers have an increased risk of periodontitis and gingivitis due to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Women with periodontitis have twice the risk of pre-term birth due to the inflammation in the bloodstream. Pre-existing dental conditions can increase the likelihood of a compromised pregnancy, such as the development of pre-eclampsia.
Once baby is born, there are other risks to consider. Cavities in mom mean an increased about of bacteria in the mouth which can be transmitted to baby and lead to early childhood cavities or extensive dental care at a young age.
The importance of dental heath during pregnancy cannot be ignored. Learn more about how oral care should begin before pregnancy, be diligent throughout pregnancy, and continue afterward…for your sake and your child’s.
You will find a helpful, compassionate, and caring dentist at the Smile Designer.