If you are pregnant, congratulations! This is a wonderful time in your life as you prepare for your new baby. Dental care is very important during pregnancy, and at Downey Dental Arts, we can help ensure that you and your baby have the best pregnancy experience possible.
With so many things to take care of during pregnancy, it can be easy to forget about going to the dentist. However, that is a mistake (an understandable one, for sure!). Making sure you get your routine dental care done, as well as any necessary dental treatments, will ensure good oral health throughout the pregnancy.
Believe it or not, poor oral health can be associated with poor outcomes in pregnancy, including low birth weight in babies and even premature birth. Any form of health stress on your system can potentially impact the pregnancy, so being proactive in dental care will make a huge difference.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can actually cause gingivitis, which is an early form of periodontal (gum) disease. With gingivitis, the gums become red and inflamed and are prone to bleeding. If gingivitis progresses, it becomes periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss in severe cases.
The chance of cavities (also called dental caries) can potentially increase during pregnancy because of the tendency to snack on sugary foods. Sugar-filled foods and drinks feed bacteria in the mouth and lead to plaque buildup. The bacteria can actually be transmitted to the baby, so it is important to manage oral health during pregnancy.
Additionally, the vomiting that might occur during pregnancy can increase acidity in the mouth, which can also increase the chance of cavities.
As mentioned, vomiting during pregnancy can increase acidity and contribute to cavities. It can also erode teeth. Another oral health condition that can occur during pregnancy is pyogenic granuloma, which is a type of growth that can develop on gum tissue because of hormone fluctuations.
If you become pregnant and live in Southern California, you will be in good hands if you entrust Downey Dental Arts with your prenatal dental care. We have a lot of experience working with pregnancy. We will help make sure your oral health is at its peak during this critical time.
Getting a routine dental examination is an easy way to protect your health and the health of your child during pregnancy. During the examination, our dentist will review your medical history and check your teeth and gums for any signs of disease or decay. If anything is found, treatment options will be explained thoroughly and discussed.
Routine teeth cleanings at Downey Dental Arts can help prevent pregnancy-related oral health problems such as gingivitis and cavities.
Twice daily brushing and flossing are crucial during pregnancy. Additionally, you should follow these special instructions if you get nausea and vomiting during pregnancy:
A warning: Using regular toothpaste to brush teeth right after a course of vomiting can actually expose the teeth to more stomach acid. If you do experience vomiting during pregnancy, use a solution of 1 cup of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda to rinse the mouth out thoroughly. This will neutralize any stomach acid in the mouth. Once you've done this, then you can brush your teeth as usual.
Your new baby will need special dental care once their first tooth comes in. You should also brush your baby’s teeth and take care of their oral health. We recommend you bring your baby to the dentist for their first visit at approximately six months of age unless there is an issue or they get their first tooth a little earlier. We will give you detailed instructions on how to take care of your baby’s oral health.
There are no additional costs for dental care during pregnancy; in fact, your twice-yearly dental checkup and routine teeth cleaning may be covered entirely by your dental health insurance. Contact us at Downey Dental Arts for more information on recommended dental care during pregnancy in Southern California.
Get the Best Dental Care During Pregnancy in Downey
Are you pregnant? Contact us today by calling (562) 445-3363 to get the best prenatal dental care in Southern California at Downey Dental Arts.
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