Our
Baltimore family dentist will explain to you how important it is to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Pregnancy causes certain hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease which, in turn, may affect the health of your developing baby. Before you get pregnant, try to make a dental appointment at Quest Dental so you can have your teeth professionally cleaned. Your gum tissue can also be carefully examined at this appointment, as well as any oral health problems treated prior to your pregnancy.
21202 Dental Care
Of course, tell your
Baltimore family dentist if you are pregnant. As a precautionary measure, we will recommend that dental treatments during the first trimester, and second half of the third trimester, should be avoided as much as possible. Being critical times in your baby's growth and development, it's a wise choice to avoid being exposed to procedures that could affect the baby's development in any way. Routine dental care can be received during the second trimester, however, but all elective dental procedures should be postponed until after your baby’s delivery.
If you are taking any type of drugs, including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor, our Baltimore family dentist needs to know the names and dosages of all drugs you are taking, as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. With this knowledge, our
Baltimore family dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on the information. For instance, certain drugs, such as tetracycline, can affect the development of your child's teeth and should not be taken while pregnant. Dental X-rays should also be avoided during pregnancy.
Your regular dental checkup appointment should not be avoided, however, and now, more than any other time, regular periodontal (gum) exams are very important. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for periodontal disease and for tender gums that bleed easily, known as pregnancy gingivitis. Pay close attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy and if tenderness, bleeding, or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, be sure to talk with our
Baltimore family dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
Dental Checkups Baltimore
1000 East Eager Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(410) 774-5377
By Quest Dental
February 26, 2014