Just because you are expecting a baby is no reason to neglect your dental care. Taking care of yourself is important now, and lack of attention to dental problems can only make them worse if you wait to give birth to take care of them. Many dental issues can flare up during pregnancy, so read on for more information about what to watch out for and how to remedy it.

1.  Hormones are running rampant right now, and progesterone can cause an inflammation of your gums, called gingivitis. You may begin to notice a little bleeding while brushing and some swelling of your gums.

2.  If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, a more serious gum infection. This gum disease carries a very scary side effect: the danger of preterm birth and low-weight babies. The study shows that having periodontal disease can trigger the increased production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that stimulate uterine contractions. Your dentist will likely recommend a cleaning, and perhaps a more extensive procedure like scaling.

3.  Hormones can likely be blamed for pregnancy granulomas as well. Unlike periodontal disease, this harmless red bump that might appear on your gums and should disappear with the birth of your baby. They can be removed if they are bothering you or interfering with eating.

4.  If you suffered from extensive morning sickness during your pregnancy, it's vital to get your teeth checked for damage to the enamel, especially if you are experiencing sensitivity when you eat or drink hot or cold food and drinks. While usually a temporary issue, your teeth could be more vulnerable to breaking for the time being, so choose softer foods for a while.

5.  When you visit the dentist, make sure to let them know that you're pregnant as soon as you know. Dental x-rays should be perfectly safe, but can be delayed until after the birth if you are uncertain. Certain procedures that require more anesthesia, such as wisdom teeth removal, should be delayed. Your dentist should take into account your pregnancy when prescribing antibiotics, since certain drugs, like tetracycline, can damage your baby's teeth, if taken while pregnant.

6.  If you have issues with infection or abscesses, you cannot safely put treatment for those serious conditions off. If you do have to have dental work done, the second trimester (weeks 14-20) is the best time for those since your pregnancy will be well-established and the chances of early labor are less at this time.

If you are able to plan ahead, getting your oral health in order before your get pregnant is the best solution, but it should be comforting to know that most common dental issues can be taken care of with a visit to your dentist and with good dental hygiene habits. 

To learn more, contact a dental clinic like Randolph Dental Group

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