While receiving dental care and maintaining good oral hygiene is always important, it is especially vital during pregnancy. Dr. Peter McIntyre offers specialized dental care for pregnant women to help keep both you and your baby safe and healthy. We invite you to call Briargate Advanced Family Dental at 719-475-2511 to learn more about pregnancy and dental care in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and schedule a consultation with our dentist.
Dental care during pregnancy is particularly important due to the fact that any infection in the mother’s mouth could increase risk to the fetus. For example, women with gum disease are more likely to have premature or low birthweight babies. Our office, along with the American Dental Association®, the American Pregnancy Association and the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, recommends that women seek dental care during pregnancy.
Some aspects of pregnancy may make you more vulnerable to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. These include:
- Pregnancy Gingivitis — Increased hormones during pregnancy may contribute to bacterial growth in your gums and teeth and make you more likely to develop gum disease.
- Vomiting — Frequent vomiting can wear down your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay.
- Sensitive Gag Reflex and Bleeding Gums — Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent bleeding gums and other problems.
- Pregnancy Tumors — Some women develop noncancerous growths on the gums during their second trimester.
When visiting the dentist during your pregnancy, let your dentist know that you are pregnant, as well as any medications that you may be taking. We do recommend that you postpone elective cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening in Colorado Springs, until after your baby is born, along with any nonurgent procedures. Additionally, avoid long procedures during your third trimester. You may want to consider doing a few things to make your dental appointments more comfortable, such as:
- Bringing a small pillow to support your back and make the dental chair more comfortable.
- Keeping your legs uncrossed to improve circulation.
- Bringing headphones and listening to calming music to help reduce anxiety and stress.
Please continue to visit our dentist regularly during your pregnancy. We will take special care when providing your treatments and may make additional recommendations to help keep your mouth and smile healthy during this time. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call today!