There’s a lot to think about. But don’t forget about your teeth.

Being pregnant has major effects on the body and your mouth is no exception.

Here’s what you should know:

• Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you are pregnant. Let your dentist know how far along you are and if you have any medical conditions or a high-risk pregnancy. Your dentist can help assess your oral health and map out a plan for the rest of your pregnancy.

• If you’re planning to become pregnant, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist beforehand to take care of any dental issues that may be affected by your pregnancy.

• Dental work while pregnant, such as teeth requiring fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the risk of infection and therefore the need of more invasive treatment.  If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal.  Once you reach the third trimester it may be difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time.

• Routine x-rays taken at certain intervals, can usually be postponed until after the birth, although x-rays are now considered safe during pregnancy.

X-rays are sometimes necessary for emergency dental treatment. The radiation dose is not significant enough to cause birth defects when a dental diagnostic x-ray is taken.  At Pontesbury Dental Practice, we use digital x-rays which produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental x-rays.

• Pregnancy gingivitis – Due to hormone changes during pregnancy some women may find they are prone to pregnancy gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to be red, tender and sore. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Your dentist may recommend you to see the hygienist (2 – 4 visits) to help control gingivitis. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to more serious gum disease. Moderate to severe gum disease increases the risk of delivering pre-term, underweight babies.

• Morning sickness – If you are vomiting frequently, you should rinse out your mouth with water to stop stomach acid from attacking your teeth. Do not brush your teeth straight away, as the teeth will be softened by the acid from your stomach. Wait at least an hour before doing so.

• Your baby’s teeth will begin to develop between the third and sixth month. That’s why you need a sufficient quantity of nutrients—especially vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorous. While it’s normal for pregnant woman to have the desire to eat more, frequent snacking can significantly increase the risk of developing tooth decay. For snacks, choose foods that are low in sugar and nutritious for you and your baby such as raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt, or cheese, and make sure to follow your GP’s advice regarding diet. Make sure you drink plenty of water, especially after snacking and try to drink fewer beverages high in sugar, including juice and fruit-flavoured drinks.

• Smoking and alcohol during pregnancy are linked to a higher risk of delivering  underweight babies, therefore should be avoided.

By Marius Ilea