Being trusted dentists in The Woodlands, we meet a lot of expecting mothers, and we love it. It’s truly an amazing experience, and we want to do everything we can to ensure that you and your smile stay healthy and help support your little one as they grow.
As every mom-to-be knows, when you take care of yourself, you’re taking care of your unborn child, too. This is especially true in terms of oral health. When you see your Woodlands dentist during your pregnancy, it gives us a chance to make sure you’re free from significant dental problems and helps us to create a plan of action for your care throughout your pregnancy. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you’re potentially helping your baby before and after they make their big appearance in this world.
Here are some of the common questions we hear from expectant mothers. (We hope they help shed light on oral health and pregnancy.)
Question #1 – Is it OK to see the dentist when I’m pregnant?
A: We know a lot changes when you find out you’re expecting. However, going to the dentist and keeping up with your oral hygiene routine should remain constant. We recommend seeing a dentist so that we can assess your teeth and gums for any issues that could be problematic for you and your baby. Common pregnancy side effects such as morning sickness and hormonal changes can make your gums more susceptible to disease and decay, which can negatively impact your baby’s health. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that children are more than three times as likely to have tooth decay if their mothers experience high levels of untreated cavities. Your dentist can create a treatment plan to help keep you and your baby safe.
Question #2 – What can I do during pregnancy to prevent oral health issues?
A: Just like before you found out you were carrying a little one, you should focus on taking care of your teeth at home. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once. Use a fluoride toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association and try to limit the amount of sugary foods and beverages you consume, despite your wild food cravings. If you struggle with morning sickness throughout your pregnancy, be sure to rinse your mouth with one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to help keep stomach acid from deteriorating your smile.
Question #3 – What about smile care after the baby arrives?
A: Whether you’re a first-time mom or you’ve raised a handful of kiddos, you know that moms and babies tend to share everything, including potentially harmful bacteria. If your teeth have cavities, that means you have the bacteria that cause them lurking and lingering in your mouth that can be passed from your mouth to your baby’s mouth. When this happens, you could increase the kiddo’s risk for developing cavities too. This is why it’s essential to ensure your smile is healthy before the baby is born.
At our Woodlands dental offices, we see a lot of moms (and their kids). If you’re expecting a little one soon or want to start a family, be sure to see your dentist and make sure your oral health is in excellent shape. You and your baby deserve nothing but the very best. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about pregnancy and oral health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. From pediatric care and orthodontics to cosmetic transformations and dental implants, The Woodlands Dental Group has you and your family covered.
Dr. Leslie Blackburn (Pediatric Dentistry) – Growing Great Grins
Dr. Robert Dernick (General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry), and TMJ – Robert G. Dernick, DDS
Dr. David Epstein (General, Cosmetic Dentistry & Sleep Apnea) – Epstein & Vakil General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Mike Freeman (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ) – Dr. Mike Freeman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Dr. Alisa Reed (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Laser, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ) – Dental Designs by Alisa Reed
Dr. Wade Williams (Orthodontics) – Wade Williams, DDS, MS
Dr. Nikita Vakil ( General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry) – Epstein & Vakil General & Cosmetic Dentistry