Pregnancy and Dental Work.......What To Expect and Do! Part 4

In part three of our series on “Pregnancy and Dental Work,” we discussed some questions we frequently hear about dental care from women who are expecting. Today we’re going to change it up and answer some of those “not-so-frequently-asked” questions.

• Do pregnant women really lose one tooth per child?  Thankfully, this is just an old wives’ tale. It is absolutely not true. The thinking goes that your growing baby can somehow sap calcium from your teeth if they’re not getting enough. But the truth is, if you practice good oral hygiene, you’re no more likely to lose a tooth during pregnancy than during any other time in your life. If a pregnant woman loses a tooth, it’s far more likely caused by untreated gingivitis or poor oral hygiene.
• What if toothpaste makes me sick?  Nausea and morning sickness can be triggered by all sorts of things, including toothpaste. If you find this is the case for you, then start by trying a different flavor. Many brands now offer flavors beyond traditional mint. Whatever you do, don’t stop brushing your teeth! Stopping brushing can lead to far more serious problems than nausea. If switching toothpastes doesn’t seem to be helping, ask your dentist about other options.
• Will dental treatments affect my nursing?  While it’s very unlikely that any dental medications or treatments will affect your breast milk since such a small amount (1 to 2% of your dose) is actually excreted, you should always carefully discuss any and all medications with both your dentist and your doctor. If your baby was born prematurely or has any other conditions, be sure you exercise every caution regarding any medications that you take. Also, in case you were wondering, the taste and/or quality of your milk will not be affected by dental treatments.

To learn more, check out Rigby Advanced Dental and schedule your free consultation now.

Pregnancy and Dental Work.......What To Expect and Do! Part 3

Continuing our series from the other day on “Pregnancy and Dental Work,” today we’d like to answer some of the questions we hear most often from pregnant women.

• Is it safe to see the dentist while I’m pregnant?  Absolutely. Just be sure you let your dentist know that you’re pregnant. The second trimester is the best time to get your regular dental checkup. During your first trimester, your baby’s organs are still developing, and they’re highly sensitive. During the last half of your last trimester, you and your baby are also very sensitive to outside influences. (Not to mention that it might just be plain uncomfortable to try to sit in a dental examination chair for any period of time.) You should put off any major procedures until after your baby is born, if at all possible. Discuss any questions you have with your dentist, so together you can determine the best possible plan for you and your baby.
• What if I have a dental emergency?  If you have a dental emergency while you’re pregnant, seek professional assistance as soon as possible. You can discuss treatment options with your dentist and obstetrician (for example, what medicine and/or anesthesia is safe). Don’t ignore pain in your mouth. Besides the possibility that your body could be signaling you that something is wrong, trying to cope with pain can increase stress on both you and your baby. You also want to avoid spreading an infection or having a dental problem escalate into something much more severe.
• Can I have an X-ray at the dentist when I’m pregnant?  Most dentists do not recommend having X-rays while you’re pregnant. You should, however, still get your regular checkup (minus the X-rays). Again, if you have a dental emergency: Don’t put off treatment. You and your dentist can determine the best possible solution together.

For more information, or to schedule your free consultation your next dental exam, contact Rigby Advanced Dental, and keep coming back for more posts in our series on “Pregnancy and Dental Work.”

Pregnancy and Dental Work.......What To Expect and Do! Part 1

Since pregnancy is in our thoughts these days we figured it would be a good time to review the topic when considering dentistry.

Oral hygiene may be the last thing that comes to mind when you learn that you’re pregnant, but just as it affects nearly every other aspect of your body, it also affects your mouth.

Pregnancy gingivitis -- Pregnancy gingivitis has the same symptoms as regular gingivitis (red, swollen, tender, receding and/or bleeding gums), but some of the causes are different. It can start as early as the second month and continue throughout your entire pregnancy. During your pregnancy, your hormone levels are constantly changing. Increased progesterone can spur the growth of certain gingivitis-causing bacteria. Additionally, your immune system often changes during pregnancy, which can affect the way your body responds to these bacteria.

The techniques to treat gingivitis are the same whether you’re pregnant or not. Practicing good oral hygiene is key, especially when you have an increased risk of gum disease. Be sure to continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing your teeth every day. Additionally, you may want to use a mouthwash to help fight off bacteria. Even though it’s not clear whether rinses containing alcohol may be harmful for your growing baby, you should look for an alcohol-free mouthwash, just the same. You also want to be sure to keep up with your regularly scheduled checkups. The best time of your pregnancy to do this is the second trimester.

Pregnancy granuloma -- Granuloma is simply a fancy name for “a growth.” Up to 10% of women will develop a granuloma on their gums during pregnancy. While these growths are not tumors and they’re not dangerous, certainly they can be uncomfortable. Granulomas typically form during the second trimester, most often found in women with pregnancy gingivitis. Although these growths will go away on their own after you give birth, you can have them removed if they’re interfering with your day-to-day activities like eating, drinking and talking. Poor oral hygiene plays a big role in the formation of granulomas. When you’re pregnant (as always), you should be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups and daily care of your mouth.

Look for upcoming posts in our series on pregnancy and your teeth. To learn more, check out Rigby Advanced Dental and schedule a hygiene visit now.