HEALTHY TEETH, HEALTHY BABY

This post from Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury is for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Carrying a precious baby can not only consume your time, but your attention as well. Don’t forget your needs and your fitness during these important months. That includes your dental health.

It’s vital to understand that all the changes your body experiences during pregnancy also influence the mouth. Changes in your hormonal balance are necessary for growing a new life, but they can also compromise your oral health during pregnancy. Your gums are especially susceptible. In fact, the American Dental Association has conducted studies that reveal a slightly increased risk of low birth weight and pre-term infants in mothers with gum disease.

In order to keep your smile healthy, it is important to visit your dentist before you are pregnant. If you are already pregnant but haven’t visited a dentist in a while, we encourage you to have an exam. We can check your teeth and gums and counsel you if any changes to your dental hygiene routine are necessary. If there are issues such as gingivitis, we can monitor them throughout your pregnancy.

Any treatment—meaning care more invasive than an exam and cleaning —hopefully can wait until after your baby arrives. If you have a dental emergency that needs to be addressed before delivery, the best time is during the second trimester. Modern x-ray methods are extremely safe but should be avoided if possible throughout your pregnancy.

When you arrive for your exam, be sure to remind us that you are pregnant. If your doctor has given you special instructions concerning your condition, let us know. Additionally, give us a list of all the medications and vitamins you are taking. Throughout your pregnancy, be sure to see us immediately if you see any changes to your teeth or gums.

Remember, your diet significantly impacts your baby’s health and development, as well as the condition of your teeth. A diet low in important nutrients can impede your baby’s tooth and bone development. Meals and snacks high in sugar, especially when consumed frequently throughout the day, do not support your baby or your teeth. Make sure you get the recommended amounts of calcium, iron, vitamins A, D and C, protein, and phosphorus.

At Southern York Smile Cares in Shrewsbury PA, your dental health is important to us. Our services include restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!