How to Care For Your Teeth When Pregnant

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TEETH WHEN PREGNANT BEFORE YOU GET PREGNANT Make sure your teeth are in great shape. Visit dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are in good health. Increased hormones when you get pregnant can make your teeth and gums extra sensitive. 1st TRIMESTER • Tell your dentist you are pregnant. • Check dental insurance to see if you receive any additional cleanings while pregnant. • "Pregnancy Gingivitis" - change in hormones can cause puffy gums, inflammation of gums. • Use bland toothpaste to avoid morning sickness. • Rinse your mouth out frequently if suffering from morning sickness. • Your dentist may recommend a fluoride rinse to use while pregnant. • Use a soft toothbrush with a small toothbrush to prevent vomiting. • Don't brush right after vomiting. 2nd-- TRIMESTER • Avoid sugary snacks even though you may be craving them. Maintain a diet with plenty of Vitamin C, Calcium, Vitamin B12 – these will all help build healthy teeth. • Most dentists discourage bleaching during pregnancy although there is no evidence to suggest it may harm your baby. • "Pregnancy Granuloma" aka: Pregnancy Tumors. Sometimes people may get small temporary tumors in their mouth or lips while pregnant. 3rd TRIMESTER • Avoid dental treatments during last 6 weeks of pregnancy. • Remain especially thorough in your home care – brushing and flossing. • Schedule a dental appointment for after the baby is born. -NURSING-- POST-PARTUM • See dentist soon after delivery to have mouth examined. • Postpone major dental work until this time. • X-rays, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide are all safe while breastfeeding. • "Baby bottle tooth decay" Start brushing your baby's teeth with a soft toothbrush and water when they come in. • Talk to your dentist about removing amalgam (silver) fillings because mercury can travel through breastmilk in high concentrations. DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR CHILDS TEETH WHILE YOU ARE PREGNANT: • Baby teeth begin to develop 3 months into pregnancy. How you eat affects their development. • Certain medications need to be avoided because they can stain your baby's teeth. (antibiotics). MYTHS YOU LOSE A TOOTH WITH EVERY PREGNANCY BABIES TAKE THE CALCIUM FROM YOUR TEETH IT IS UNSAFE TO SEE THE DENTIST WHILE PREGNANT YOU CAN'T HAVE X-RAYS WHILE PREGNANT (IF NECESSARY, X-RAYS CAN BE DONE VERY CAREFULLY) Rusnak 7820 Shrader Road, Richmond, VA 23294 (804) 262-1060 FAMILY DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS