Pregnancy and awaiting the arrival of your baby can be an exciting time, but it can wreak havoc on your oral health. Your body goes through many hormonal changes, as well as physical changes that could affect the health of your mouth more than you may realize.
Gum Disease
The largest risk to your mouth during your pregnancy is the risk of gingivitis and gum (periodontal) disease. The hormones that are created to keep your baby safe can put you at higher risk for pregnancy- induced gingivitis. If you don’t already have gum disease, this condition is usually temporary, and usually appears between the second to eighth month of pregnancy. Keep up with your home care by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily, as well as getting your professional cleanings. There has been some studies linking gum disease to premature births, so speak to your dentist about what you can do to if you have gum disease and reducing your risk of complications.
Need a pre-natal dental checkup?
We recommend visiting the dentist several times during your pregnancy so that Dr. Snodgrass can monitor your dental health as your body changes and hormonal levels shift. We find that many dental insurance plans offer extra visits for expectant mothers, so these additional visits are affordable as well. Call us today at (360) 514-9212 to schedule your pre-natal checkup.
Thurston Oaks Dental, 4305 NE Thurston Way, Suite A, Vancouver, WA 98662 ^ (360) 514-9212 ^ vancouverdds.com ^ 10/3/2024 ^ Related Terms: dentist Vancouver WA ^
Pregnancy and awaiting the arrival of your baby can be an exciting time, but it can wreak havoc on your oral health. Your body goes through many hormonal changes, as well as physical changes that could affect the health of your mouth more than you may realize.