Pregnancy Hygiene

It is very important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant. This is because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease which unfortunately, can affect the health of your developing baby. Research has found a link between gum disease in pregnant women and premature birth. 

Some women get swollen and sore gums that could also bleed during pregnancy. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, in turn leading to inflammation and bleeding. This is often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease.

Pregnancy hygiene will ensure the removal of plaque and tartar to prevent gum disease from occurring during pregnancy. Although always important, during pregnancy, this is vital as gum disease (which can be caused by plaque and tartar), if severe, can lead to blood pressure related issues in pregnancy and has also been linked to pre-eclampsia.

Pregnancy hygiene treatment will reduce risk of harm to your developing baby, which can be caused by severe cases of gum disease or periodontal disease. If it is linked with higher blood pressure for the mother, this can also negatively affect baby. It will also reduce risk of pre-eclampsia (a condition affecting some pregnant women), which has been linked with severe gum disease or periodontal disease. This condition begins around 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Gum disease during pregnancy has been linked with preterm birth as well as pre-eclampsia, making it imperative to stay extra vigilant with oral care.

Untreated gum disease can lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis, which weakens the bone and tissues holing your teeth in place within your jaw.

Due to the hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy, the gums are more vulnerable to plaque. Unfortunately, the buildup of plaque on the gums can often result in gingivitis or gum disease.

This is especially dangerous for pregnant women as there have been various studies that have found that women who develop severe mouth infections and suffer from bleeding gums when they are pregnant have a much higher chance of delivering their babies prematurely if they do not treat the infection. Up to 70% of women develop inflammation of the gums or gingivitis during their pregnancy.

There is often a misconception that getting a dental checkup during pregnancy is unsafe. However, it is very safe and important for your dental health. It is important to tell both your doctor and your dentist if you are pregnant.

They can advise on how often they would like to see you and provide routine dental care at any time during pregnancy including any urgent procedures that may need to be carried out. Usually you should stick to the routine visits every 6 months unless your dentist recommends otherwise. Visiting your dentist during your pregnancy will allow your dentist to take care of any pregnancy-related dental symptoms you may experience. 

If you want to find out more about seeing a dental hygienist while pregnant, contact one of our practices.

The major hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can affect your dental health more than you know. This is because during pregnancy, the increased hormones can affect your body’s response to plaque. Pregnancy itself does not automatically damage your teeth, and you are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits. 

With proper hygiene through your home dental routine and professional help from your dentist, your teeth should remain healthy throughout pregnancy.  

Contact one of our practices in Wandsworth, South West London or Esher, Surrey to book a pregnancy dental hygiene appointment.

If getting an X ray is mandatory in your current situation, many experts agree that you can ease your mind about the subject; it is safe to get dental X-rays while you are pregnant. We do, however, recommend to avoid it wherever possible. Dental X-rays can show problems with your teeth, gums and the bones around your mouth. 

Dental X-rays use a small amount of radiation and your dentist covers you with a special apron and collar to protect you and your baby. If your dentist wants to give you an X-ray make sure to inform them that you either are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Many of our dentists may put off taking any X-rays until after the birth of your baby. However, if dental X-rays are unavoidable, your dentist will be able to take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

Local anesthetic is used when you need a filing, root canal or tooth removal and is in fact safe for both you and your baby. Usually any procedures that need to take place will be put off until you have given birth, unless they are urgent.

Book an appointment today to see a dental hygienist while pregnant from our practices in Wandsworth, South West London or Esher, Surrey.