Grove's Blog

Grove's Blog

Posts for tag: Pregnancy

May 16, 2011
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Pregnancy   Technology  

Expecting?  Congratulations!  As a mom-to-be you should pay special attention to your health - including proper oral hygiene. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of gum disease and can affect the health of your developing baby. To help prevent problems, make sure you keep regular dental visits as an important part of your prenatal “to do” list.

While you may want to avoid major dental procedures or dental reconstruction until after the baby is born, many routine procedures can be safely performed during pregnancy, including cleanings, fillings and crowns, extractions, gum treatment and continuation of orthodontic treatment.  At Grove, our dentists will coordinate any necessary treatment with your physician.

At Grove, we recommend that regular preventative X-rays be postponed until after delivery.  Only in the case of a dental emergency when accurate diagnosis and treatment is essential, would X-rays be recommended. If X-rays are necessary, our doctors will use extreme caution to safeguard the health of you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.

The American Pregnancy Association suggests the following tips for handling dental needs during pregnancy:

  • Let your dentist know you are pregnant
  • Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet
  • Brush teeth thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily
  • Maintain preventive exams and cleanings with your dentist during your pregnancy
  • If possible, postpone non-emergency dental work until the second trimester or until after delivery
  • Elective procedures should be postponed until after the delivery
  • When sitting in the dentist’s chair, maintain healthy circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed
  • Use a pillow at your appointments to help keep you and the baby more comfortable

Ideally, scheduling a dental exam before pregnancy is the best way to treat any dental problems ahead of time.  Routine dental visits and cleanings are perfectly safe and recommended during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, let us know so we can ensure the optimal health for you and your baby. Our Grove dentists will work with you throughout your entire pregnancy to help you understand preventive care and treatment.  We’re also here to help you when your baby starts to cut his/her first tooth!

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May 17, 2010
Category: Dental
Tags: Pregnancy   Oral Hygiene  

Why every expectant mother should "brush up" on her oral hygiene

Whether you're expecting your first or fifth child, pregnancy is a very special time for any expectant mother. It is also a time of maintaining good health, and oral health is no exception during pregnancy. In fact, mothers-to-be are at a higher risk of developing dental problems, which can place you and your unborn baby at risk for both general and dental health complications. From the moment you find out your pregnant, you should begin to protect your teeth and gums in order to promote a healthy pregnancy and the healthy development of your baby.

Dental Problems during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, anything that affects a mother's health can also impact the health of her baby. And as your hormone levels change, your gum tissues experience sensitivity to the harmful effects of plaque. With an increased sensitivity, there is also an increased risk of developing gingivitis, an infection of the gums marked by redness, tenderness and frequent bleeding. In fact, gingivitis is the most common dental concern during pregnancy, reportedly affecting 60 to 75 percent of all pregnant women.

Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious problems, like periodontal disease- the most severe form of gum disease, which has been linked to pre-term, low birth weight babies.

Taking Care of Teeth and Gums during Pregnancy
Being diligent about your oral hygiene is the best way to ensure healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy. Practice exceptional daily oral hygiene to reduce the risk of gingivitis and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to help ensure healthy, strong development of your baby's teeth. Here are just a few important tips every expectant mother should follow:

  • Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups before, during and after pregnancy
  • Brush and floss after every meal and snack in order to keep plaque levels low and reduce the chance of infection.
  • Avoid foods or beverages high in sugar or starch as these lead to plaque and tartar buildup.
  • Eat healthy, nutritious foods, including vitamins A, C and D, as well as protein, calcium and phosphorus
  • Select healthy snacks, such as nuts, cheese, raw vegetables and plain yogurt.
  • Reduce your frequency of snacking

Preventive dental cleanings and regular exams during pregnancy are not only safe, but highly recommended. At Grove, we will help you have the important preventative dental care that is vital to you and your unborn baby. We look forward to caring for you and your baby's teeth both now and in the future.

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