You’ve learned you’re going to have a baby. Congratulations! It’s an exciting time. There may be a seemingly endless list of things to do before the baby arrives. One thing you don’t want to put on the back burner along the way: your dental health. 

You may not realize that your dental health affects your overall health. In addition, It’s 

also affected by the changes in your body that accompany pregnancy. 

Our board-certified dentists, Dr. Saeed Mokhayeri and Dr. Hengameh Safarcherati at Arya Dental in Fullerton, California, can care for your dental needs and discuss any changes you need to make in your dental routine during your pregnancy. 

Your pregnancy can change your dental health

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to changes in your dental health. 

Have your gums been swollen and irritated? A statistic that may surprise you is that about two-thirds of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis, or gum inflammation. Gingivitis can lead to more serious gum disease when left untreated. 

If you’ve suddenly developed a craving for sugary or crunchy foods, you may be more prone to develop cavities while you’re pregnant. We want to treat a cavity early before decay could require more extensive treatment than a filling. 

About 7 in 10 women experience some nausea during the first trimester, and some experience it in the following months. If you experience frequent morning sickness, your teeth are exposed to stomach acid, which wears away at the protective enamel. 

We advise you to rinse your mouth with water and baking soda after vomiting. You’ll want to brush your teeth, but it’s important to wait for 30 minutes before doing so.  

Dental health risks during pregnancy 

You may not realize that your dental health can also impact your baby’s. The New York State Department of Health reports that oral bacteria associated with dental decay is transmissible from mother to child both during pregnancy and after birth. 

That’s another reason to come in for a dental checkup as soon as you know you’re pregnant.  You don’t want your dental problem to affect your child.

If you develop gingivitis during pregnancy or already have gingivitis, you should know that gingivitis places you more at risk for developing periodontal disease, which is advanced gum disease that can cause bone loss and eventually tooth loss. 

Periodontal disease is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth rate due to increased inflammation. 

These are good reasons to come in for a dental checkup as soon as you know you’re pregnant. A dental visit can give you peace of mind that your oral health is in good shape. 

Dental procedures are safe during pregnancy 

If we do find a dental issue like a cavity, we can take care of it right away. Even if you need a more involved procedure like a root canal, don’t worry. We use local anesthesia for that type of procedure. It’s safe to use during pregnancy. 

If you need a digital X-ray, we properly protect you and your baby with leaded aprons. Let us know what medications you’re using so we can recommend the best treatments for you. 

We’re here to help ensure your dental health at every stage of life. Call Arya Dental or book an appointment online today for expert dental care.