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The old adage, "A tooth for every
child" is not true! You can take steps to assure
your own dental health and to give your baby the best
possible start toward a lifetime of good dental
health too! |
Your Dentist Needs To Know
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Much of the baby's critical development
happens in the early weeks, often before you are certain
that you are pregnant. Because you don't want to take
chances on having anything go wrong, it is important
that you let your dentist know if you even
suspect you are pregnant. |
Dental Care During Pregnancy
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Anything that disturbs the mother's
health, may affect her baby - and your dental health
is important to both of you. To prevent a dental
emergency from arising, it is important that you see
your dentist early in your pregnancy. |
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Routine and preventive dental care
can be provided at any time during a normal pregnancy;
however, since most women feel their best during the
second trimester of pregnancy, it is usually recommended
that any extensive care be scheduled at that time. |
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If necessary, emergency care can be
provided at almost any time during pregnancy, but it is
preferable to avoid any such emergency situation. Your
toothache can affect your baby's health and you don't
want that to happen. |
Radiographs (X-rays)
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Your dentist takes radiographs (x-rays)
of the patients' teeth only when necessary. However, if
you are pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant, every
effort will be made to postpone all radiographs. If
radiographs must be taken, a lead-lined apron will be
used to protect you and the baby. |
Dental Anesthetics & Drugs During Pregnancy
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Regular dental care can often be provided
during pregnancy comfortably and safely. |
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If drugs or anesthetics are needed
during or after dental treatment, your dentist
will take special care to give only those medications
that will not be harmful to the baby. If necessary, the
dentist will consult your physician. |
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Be sure to let the dentist know if you
are taking any other drugs, because it's important
that any medications given for dental treatment be
compatible with them. |
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Special Problems |
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You may notice early in your pregnancy
that your gums are red, swollen and bleed easily when
you brush. This is known as Pregnancy Gingivitis,
and is believed to occur in response to the hormonal
changes in the mother's body. |
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Pregnancy Gingivitis usually goes
away after the birth of the baby. However, should this
condition develop you should see your dentist promptly!
Any irritant on the teeth, such as calculus or plaque,
will make the Pregnancy Gingivitis more severe.
Professional cleaning and dental care can help to
eliminate this problem and to make you feel more
comfortable. |
Diet And Dental Health
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It is not true that the baby
absorbs calcium from the mother's teeth during
pregnancy. Your baby is dependent upon your diet to
provide the calcium, phosphorous and other vitamins and
minerals necessary for the formation of healthy
teeth. |
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It is important that you carefully follow
the well-balanced diet recommended by your obstetrician.
Also, you should avoid eating too many sugar-rich foods. |
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Oral Hygiene |
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Your oral hygiene, routine
brushing and flossing at home, are also important in
minimizing the effects of Pregnancy Gingivitis -
and in assuring your ongoing dental health. Your
dentist will be happy to show you the best way to care
for your teeth at home. |
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What About Dental Care For The
Baby? |
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When your baby is born, all 20 of the
primary teeth, and some of the permanent teeth
will be in various stages of formation. Your good health
and balanced diet during pregnancy help to assure
optimal prenatal development of these teeth. |
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After birth you can continue to assure
proper
development of the baby's teeth by asking
your pediatrician about fluoride supplements.
Good diet and early learning of good dental health
habits are important too. |
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Your baby should be ready for that all
important first visit to the dentist about the
time he or she is three years old. It is best if you
plan the visit before the child has a dental problem. In
the meantime, your dentist will be happy to answer any
questions you may have about your baby's dental
health and development. |
