Should I See a Dentist While Pregnant?

If you are expecting, congratulations on behalf of the Downey Dental Arts team in California! There is so much excitement ahead, and there are many things to do during this time of preparation. Therefore, dental exams and cleanings may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, good oral health is crucial during pregnancy because poor oral health has the potential to impact your unborn child. Here, Downey Dental Arts will discuss why you should keep seeing a dentist during pregnancy, as well as the ways in which your oral health can inadvertently affect your child. 

How Can My Oral Health Affect My Pregnancy?

Oral health is inextricably linked to overall wellness, and poor oral hygiene can affect you and your little one. More specifically, pregnant women with poor oral health have the potential to experience more pregnancy complications, such as preterm delivery and low birth weight. This is because oral bacteria in the mother’s mouth can enter the bloodstream and be passed along to their unborn child. In addition, oral bacteria can also be passed to the child after it is born, such as through saliva from a kiss. Therefore, it is important for caregivers to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing at least once.

What Are Some Oral Health Issues Related to Pregnancy?

Due to a change in diet and hormonal fluctuations, pregnant women are susceptible to dental decay and cavities during pregnancy. They are also more prone to develop gingivitis, which can then turn into periodontal disease if left untreated. Furthermore, some pregnant women also battle pyogenic granulomas on their gums during pregnancy. The good news is that these growths are non-cancerous, though they are still bothersome and can bleed easily. Also sometimes referred to as “pregnancy tumors,” pyogenic granulomas tend to resolve on their own after the woman gives birth. 

What Role Does Diet Play During This Time?

As previously mentioned, changes in diet often occur during pregnancy. For example, sugar cravings can contribute to dental decay and cavities. One of the best ways to combat this is to try to eat as much of a well-balanced diet as possible and to brush your teeth after the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. A balanced diet will help your child get everything it needs as it grows, and if you are absolutely craving sugar, you can also get it from more natural sources, such as a piece of fruit.

What Does Downey Dental Arts Recommend I Do If I Suffer from Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness can wreak havoc on tooth enamel. While it is tempting to grab your toothbrush and toothpaste after a round of morning sickness, doing this right away may be counterproductive and introduce more stomach acid to your teeth. One of the best ways to combat stomach acid during this time is to mix one teaspoon of baking soda into one cup of water. Rinsing your mouth out with this solution has a neutralizing effect on stomach acid. Afterward, you can brush your teeth as normal!

How Often Should I Visit Downey Dental Arts While Pregnant?

Unless you are having a specific problem, you should visit Downey Dental Arts for your routine exams and cleanings. Typically, this translates to one annual dental exam and bi-annual dental cleanings. Keeping up with regular dental appointments is one of the best ways to protect you and your baby’s oral health! 

Is It Safe for Me to Receive Dental X-Rays at Downey Dental Arts During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is entirely safe for pregnant women to have digital x-rays at Downey Dental Arts! In fact, digital x-rays are much safer than traditional x-rays because they do not contain as much radiation. Therefore, pregnant women can safely receive up to four digital dental x-rays at each dentist visit. However, our team will still give you a protective apron to further minimize your exposure. We care about you and your little one, so we do everything we can to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience.

When Should My Child Have Their First Downey Dental Arts Visit?

Downey Dental Arts is a family dentist, so we look forward to meeting your little one after their arrival! Once your child receives their first baby tooth, it is time to make their first Downey Dental Arts appointment. Typically, children are around six months old when they have their first dental visit. Until your child gets their first tooth, one of the best ways to care for your baby’s mouth is to take a damp cloth and gently wipe their tiny gums after feeding them. This will help protect their oral health until they are a bit older and can begin brushing.

Will My Insurance Cover Dental Care Costs During Pregnancy?

This is a question we receive frequently, and some dental insurances may cover your dental exams and cleanings entirely. There are no extra dental care costs for regular treatments during pregnancy. If you are unsure of your dental benefits, our friendly office in Downey, CA will be happy to help you determine these. We wish you nothing but the best during this joyous time! 

Do You Have More Questions About Dental Care During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a wonderful and joyous time! In addition, oral care during pregnancy is incredibly important not only for the mother’s health but that of the baby’s as well. Pregnant women are more prone to dental decay, cavities, and issues like pyogenic granulomas, or pregnancy tumors. The best way to defend your oral health during this time and keep bacteria from affecting your baby is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, keep up with regular dental appointments, and limit your sugar intake while eating a well-balanced diet. Downey Dental Arts is here to answer any additional questions you have, so do not hesitate to contact us today!

If you have more questions about oral hygiene and health during pregnancy, simply contact our office in Downey, CA at