Pregnancy is a joyous time. Since oral health is connected to prenatal care, having access to a dentist you can trust is important. At Dentist of Torrance, we celebrate with you while making sure you receive optimal oral care throughout your pregnancy.
Health experts have discovered a link between oral health and prenatal care. For example, bad oral health may impact a baby’s birth weight and even contribute to premature delivery. This is because any amount of stress on the body during pregnancy can cause adverse effects.
Hormonal and dietary changes during pregnancy can contribute to oral health issues, such as the development of periodontal disease, cavities, and pyogenic granuloma. Importantly, scheduling routine cleanings at Dentist of Torrance can help ward off some of these potential issues.
Many hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, and this can contribute to the development of gingivitis. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease, and its symptoms include having irritated, inflamed, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not treated promptly, it can turn into periodontitis, which is more serious and may eventually cause the loss of a tooth.
Dietary changes, such as the increased consumption of sugar during pregnancy, may lead to the development of cavities. Since bacteria thrive on sugary foods and beverages, plaque may begin to collect inside your mouth. Taking care of your oral health can help prevent passing these bacteria on to the baby. In addition, nausea and vomiting from pregnancy can increase the acidity levels in the mouth, leading to cavities and erosion.
Pyogenic granuloma is a specific kind of growth that may be found on the gum tissues of pregnant women. Typically, hormonal changes are the root cause behind the development of pyogenic granuloma.
Dentist of Torrance has professional experience in providing patients with prenatal dental care. The best way to begin is by scheduling a routine dental exam. At this time, our dentist will have the opportunity to go over your medical history, as well as carefully examine your teeth and gums for potential issues.
Good oral care is important during pregnancy, and you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. If you experience nausea and vomiting with your pregnancy, your first impulse may be to immediately brush your teeth with regular toothpaste. However, this may expose your teeth to additional stomach acid. Therefore, it is best to first mix a solution with one teaspoon of baking soda stirred into one cup of water. You can use this to rinse your mouth, helping to neutralize any remaining stomach acid. Afterward, you may brush your teeth like normal.
A newborn does not generally need dental care until their first tooth arrives. Brushing their teeth regularly will enhance their oral health, and children are usually around six months old before they have their first dental visit. However, if there is a problem or the tooth comes in sooner, you can go ahead and schedule their first appointment.
Prenatal dental care does not cost extra. If you have dental insurance, sometimes it will completely cover the cost of your biannual exams and cleanings. At Dentist of Torrance, we make it a priority to offer all our patients cost-effective dental care!
Are You Pregnant and Looking for Dental Care?
Schedule your prenatal dental care exam at Dentist of Torrance today by calling 310-651-7660!
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