It is important to visit the dentist during your pregnancy.  Many women are concerned about whether or not it is safe and will put off dental treatments.  The reality is that unless your OBGYN has you on set restrictions having your teeth cleaned now is more important than ever.

While pregnant, your body is producing a new person inside of you.  This requires a lot of work and when you don’t eat enough nutrients in your diet, the body will start pulling from what is inside of you to give it to the baby.  While the baby’s teeth and bones are forming, calcium is needed to ensure that they are strong.  Many women do not get enough calcium in their diet so it is pulled from their own teeth and bones, which can create brittle teeth and lead to osteoporosis later on in life.

Additionally, hormonal changes can cause gums to become inflamed and create a higher risk for gum disease in pregnant women.  Visiting the dentist is important because during a routine teeth cleaning bacteria will be removed from along your gum line which prevents gum disease.  This should be done twice during your pregnancy to make sure that your teeth and gums have the best shot at staying healthy.

Cavities can typically be treated during pregnancy without causing any harm to the baby.  If any cavities are found during a routine dental exam, they should be treated right away since pregnancy makes teeth more sensitive than normal.  What would typically cause slight discomfort may cause major pain during pregnancy.  Fortunately, you don’t have to live with this pain since Dr. Gabor Bodnar can easily treat the cavity.

While you are pregnant there are additional steps you can take to stay in good oral health. During this time it is more important than ever to eat and drink plenty of calcium.  You can drink milk, and eat cheese and yogurt to get the calcium you need.  If you don’t like these foods, there are a variety of supplements you can take on a daily basis.  They even make chocolate calcium chews that you can eat as a snack.  They are healthy and taste delicious.

Eating a healthy well-balanced diet is also important during pregnancy.  Fruits, vegetables, and lean protein are all part of a healthy diet and will keep your body and your teeth in good shape while also supplying your baby with the nutrients it needs to grow.  Your OBGYN can recommend a dietary plan.  Be sure to include some nuts and crunchy vegetables as these serve a dual purpose of also strengthening your teeth.

Brushing after meals, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash will keep bacteria from forming.  This will prevent cavities and gum disease to keep you healthier overall. Dentist , Dr. Bodnar, will provide you with additional tips and instructions during your routine teeth cleaning.  He will let you know if you are at risk for any particular oral health issues and instruct you as how best to avoid them.