Pregnancy & Oral Health: How to Care For Your Teeth and Gums When Expecting

In a single moment, your whole life changes. Seeing that little “positive” confirmation brings your entire world into perspective. And after some much-deserved celebration, it’s time to prepare. While deciding on a theme for the nursery and creating your registry may be some of the initial to-dos that come to mind, it is important to squeeze in a visit to your dentist as well. After all, your oral health directly effects your overall health, and the change in your hormones can significantly impact the condition of your teeth and gums. Here’s what you need to know about dentistry while you’re pregnant.

The Link Between Hormones & Your Oral Health

Although a growing belly may be the most obvious change, pregnancy impacts virtually every aspect of your body, including your oral health. Although many women make it through the nine months with no dental complications, it is important to know that the hormonal changes have been linked to an increased risk of gingivitis and tooth decay. That’s why organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly encourage women to prioritize their dental care when pregnant.

Visiting Your Dentist While You’re Pregnant

Since the condition of your oral health directly impacts your overall health, it is important to visit your dentist when expecting. Make sure to let them know how far along you are, which medications you are taking, if you’ve received any special advice from your physician, and any other pertinent information. From there, they can conduct a comprehensive oral exam to ensure your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape, administer necessary treatment if they aren’t, and provide you with a professional cleaning that will help prevent future problems.

Caring For Your Teeth & Gums After Birth

Once your little one is here, it is natural for many mothers to focus solely on caring for them, neglecting their own wellbeing in the process. However, it is important to continue to care for your smile, especially if you experienced pregnancy gingivitis or any other dental issues while pregnant. This is also a good time to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. That way, you can keep your child’s gums healthy and have a go-to resource for caring for their teeth throughout the years.

Pregnancy is a monumental milestone that can bring so many positive, exciting changes with it. Amid the hustle and bustle of preparing for the newest member of your family, make sure to prioritize your at-home oral hygiene routine and schedule an appointment with your dentist to keep your oral health in pristine condition!

About the Author

Dr. Angelica R. Rohner is a pediatric dentist in Birmingham who entered the field of dentistry after graduating from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry with her D.M.D. degree. Since then, she has earned an advanced degree in Pediatric Dentistry, become board-certified, and become a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. What makes her truly unique, however, is her genuine passion for caring for growing smiles and starting children of all ages on the path to a healthy smile for life. To learn more about dentistry for infants or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or give her a call at 205-870-0892.