Why Visit the Dentist While Pregnant?
It is important to not neglect your oral health when you are expecting. While some women may delay going to the dentist until after the birth of their baby, it is important to maintain a clean oral cavity during pregnancy. There are several reasons for this. It is known that hormone levels increase during pregnancy and can contribute to bleeding, swelling and inflammation of the gums which is commonly referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. Gum disease in pregnant women has been linked to premature delivery, preclampsia and low birth weight infants. Some women may experience an increase in tooth decay if they develop cravings that cause them to consume more carbohydrates or sweet foods and drinks. And women with morning sickness will expose their teeth to more acids that can cause tooth decay. For all of these reasons, it is best to continue your dental visits while pregnant. It is also important to maintain good hygiene habits during your pregnancy and to brush and floss regularly.