Are you thinking of becoming pregnant?
Starting a family is one of the most exciting times in your life!
If you have been putting off your dental checkups, it is time to stop procrastinating!
First, because a preconception dental visit will give you a chance to get any necessary X-rays taken before the pregnancy.
Routine dental X-rays are usually postponed until after delivery once you’re pregnant.
Second, it will also give you time to get any dental problems fixed. It’s safe with the right precautions to have dental procedures done during pregnancy; it’s smarter to have that work behind you before the egg and sperm meet????
Third, and most importantly, not only can pregnancy take a toll on your mouth, but your mouth (if it’s not healthy)can also take a toll on your pregnancy.
Dental problems are more likely to happen when you’re expecting (blame it on the hormones). Untreated cavities and gum disease can lead to infection not only in your mouth but your body too. (something you definitely don’t want during pregnancy), and serious gum disease is associated with pregnancy complications. Including premature delivery and low birth weight!
Pregnancy hormones can do a number on your mouth. Hormones can make your teeth extra vulnerable to decay — a compelling case for visiting your dentist to get your mouth checked before you get pregnant!
Your gums can become swollen and inflamed once a baby’s on board, and even if you have a healthy mouth from the start!
Plaque and bacteria, some women lead to gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can develop into a more severe gum disease, which is associated with a variety of pregnancy complications, such as premature labor, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
Watch what you eat,
cut down on your intake of simple sugars (like candy and soda), consume plenty of foods high in vitamin C (which strengthens gums and reduces the chances of bleeding),
and boost up foods high in calcium and vitamin D (which team up to strengthen tooth enamel, along with your bones).
Stay hydrated!
Chewing sugarless gum sweetened with the first active ingredient xylitol can help prevent cavities, chewing any gum stimulates saliva flow and rinses the teeth, bit gum containing xylitol can actually help prevent tooth decay.
Visit your dentist and make an action plan for your pregnancy. It will differ for everyone depending on the health of your mouth!
If possible, see a dentist and knowing for sure you have a healthy mouth before you get pregnant, will save you time, money, and stress. You won’t need to worry or wonder if you know. Visiting a dentist can give you peace of mind.
Depending on the Dentist findings, you made need more frequent visits during your pregnancy to make sure you and your baby stay healthy!
How you care for your mouth before, during, and after your pregnancy is just as crucial as your diet and how you take care of the rest of your body!
The more information you have, the better-informed decisions you can make. Be your health care advocate now and always. The more information you have, the better decisions you can make for yourself and your family.
Knowing what is important to you and asking the right questions is also essential. Do you have a Dr. already? Do you have a dentist? Natural delivery? Hospital? Do you want to breast or bottle-feed? What kind of diet are you going to feed your child? Are you going to limit sugars? What type of formula will you use? There are so many decisions you will need to make. On top of the 35,000 daily choices, we already make in a day! If you answer as many questions as possible before the baby is born, it makes it less stressful. In my experience, nothing ever goes quite as planned. But asking myself as many questions as possible makes it easier to adjust or change direction if I have already thought about or researched it before it comes up. This is not always possible. It is how my mind works; we all think differently, and you need to do what is right for you always! My best advice is to listen to your gut, it is never wrong if you truly listen.
This is one of the most exciting times in your life, treasure every moment!