DENTAL HEALTH BEFORE PREGANCY
Yesterday I had a patient who is trying to get pregnant but has decay on more than 50% of her natural teeth. She has not been to a dentist in 4 years. She had decay at that time but chose to ignore it by her own admission. Now she has a tooth that is bothering her and she is facing root canal treatment or extraction.
CAN HAVING A BABY CAUSE CAVITIES?
When a woman becomes pregnant her hormones change. According to the BETTER HEALTH CHANNEL, “pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women, including gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay.” Also, the article noted a link between gum disease in pregnant women and premature birth with low birth weight and an increase risk of adverse health conditions for the baby, such as problems with hearing and eyesight.
CHECK YOUR TEETH BEFORE PREGNANCY
So what is the solution? If you haven’t been to the dentist regularly and contemplate having a baby, get your mouth checked out first. It really is better overall for the baby’s health for you to be as healthy as possible before starting those exciting 9 months.
CAN I HAVE DENTAL WORK IF I’M PREGNANT?
New guidelines on dental care for pregnant women put out by THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF OBSTRECTRICS AND GYNECOLOGY claim that dental cleanings, x-rays as well as local anesthesia (lidocaine) are safe during the pregnancy. However, dentists are hesitant to treat pregnant women for fear of harming the fetus. Personally, we contact the patient’s Ob-gyn physician and and get an OK from them. But wouldn’t you rather do the best for the baby and get this handled before the pregnancy?