Dental Visits
- If you’re not pregnant yet, schedule a dental checkup. Have your teeth cleaned and schedule any necessary treatment. This can help reduce the risk of having a dental emergency during pregnancy.
- If you are already pregnant or SUSPECT that you might be, let your dental office know.
- Tell your dentist or hygienist if any changes in your health. This will help your dentist determine the best plan and treatment that better suits you.
X-rays
- Check-up x-rays are normally postponed during this time until after the baby is born. However in case of an emergency x-rays may be taken.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Plaque buildup can irritate the gums. This makes them red, tender, and inflamed. This condition known as gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontal (gum) diseases affecting the gums and bone that anchor teeth in place.
- This may appear early as the first trimester. An increase in hormones exaggerates the way gum tissues react to irritants in plaque.
Tooth Decay
- Tooth decay results from repeated acid attacks on tooth enamel. The process begins with plaque, the harmful bacteria stick to the surfaces of the teeth .
- The bacteria use sugars found in most foods and beverages to produce damaging acid
- For suggestion on how to prevent tooth decay please refer to our blogs on decay.
Food choices
- A well balanced diet is important to maintain for you and your baby.what you eat during pregnancy affects the development of the fetus, including the teeth.
- The babies teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth months of pregnancy. A sufficient quantity of nutrition especially vitamins A,C, and D, protein, calcium, and phosphorous are needed.
To get more insight about proper dental care, please visit our dental procedures page. If you’d like to make an appointment with our dentist in Irvine CA, please give us a call today at (949) 727-9077.