As a would-be mom living in America, you would be hard-pressed to find a better place to raise your child and start a family than Chandler, Arizona. The city has a rich history and symbolizes the family values that our nation stands for today. As an expecting mother, you would probably have your plate full by now getting ready to welcome the child. You might also have doubts regarding any possible side effects your dental care practices might have on you and your child. Here, we will try to answer some of the questions you might have regarding your dental care practices during pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be a stressful period. Your body could be going through multiple changes, and during all this rush, you might overlook your oral health. This should be avoided at all costs. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy mean that you are more at risk of gum diseases, including bleeding and swelling, than you normally would be. This means you must continue following good oral hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing and should not miss out on dentist appointments. It is also important that you contact the dentist if you start seeing symptoms of gum disease during pregnancy.
It is generally suggested that one try to finish all their dental assignments before becoming pregnant. Even with unplanned pregnancies, it is suggested that all dental work be completed before the third trimester. This can prevent any undue stress later on during the pregnancy. Yet, one important thing to note is that if you experience symptoms of infection or gum disease at any point of your pregnancy, you must promptly consult your dentist.
A major concern one might have about dental care during pregnancy is whether x-rays and anesthesia could affect the baby. While x-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy, they can be performed if necessary and don’t pose any harm to the child. It is only with prolonged, repeated exposure that one might see complications. X-rays don’t have this problem as they are short and use low doses of radiation. In the case of sedatives and anesthesia, doctors try to avoid nitrous oxide and general anesthesia during pregnancy. Instead, they use local anesthesia so that the effects are controlled and the child isn’t affected.
While a healthy diet is important for everyone, it becomes doubly important if you’re pregnant. This is because your diet influences the nutrients your child would receive during pregnancy. Cutting down on sugars and carbohydrates would also help reduce the chances of dental issues and keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement. It is also a time of many changes and the anxieties these changes bring. As an expecting mother, you could be facing hormonal changes that can leave you at risk of various dental issues. Thus, it is important that you stay on top of your oral health during this period. For all the expecting mothers looking to grow their family in the wonderful city of Chandler, we at Fountains Dental Care provide effective dental care while keeping the safety and comfort of you and your child as our first priority. Call us at 480-222-8083 or contact us online to speak to our dental care professionals.
