Prenatal Dental Care
During your pregnancy, every effort should be made to focus on good health practices. Proper prenatal care will help you enjoy optimum health during and after your pregnancy and the promise of a healthier baby. Such a program of prenatal care involves the combined efforts of your obstetrician, nurse, dentist, dental hygienist, and YOU, the expectant parent. Most obstetricians recommend that needed dental care be completed early in pregnancy. Almost all dental procedures can be performed during the fourth to seventh months since the fewest problems of pregnancy occur during this period.
Your Baby's Teeth
Your baby's teeth begin to form about the fifth to sixth week of pregnancy. The baby needs calcium, phosphorus, minerals and vitamins as he/she grows and develops. Contrary to an old belief, however, the baby does NOT absorb calcium from the mother's teeth. Nutrients must be supplied from the foods you eat. Therefore, it is essential for you to follow your physician's and dentists advice about diet.
Tooth Loss and Decay
It is not true that you lose a tooth for every child. Factors which produce dental caries (tooth decay) are the same during pregnancy as at other times. If you have more dental caries while you are pregnant, you may be eating sweets more often or not taking proper care of your teeth.
Gum Problems and Pregnancy Gingivitis
The condition of your gingiva (gums) is related to the presence of local irritants, namely plaque, calculus, and broken down rough fillings. Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless germ filled layer which forms on your teeth each day. It makes your teeth feel "fuzzy" when you rub your tongue over them, yet it can be removed with a toothbrush. Calculus is a hard formation on the teeth that cannot be removed with a toothbrush, but needs to be removed in the dental office. These irritants can cause an infection in the gum tissue called gingivitis. The gums can get red, swollen, sometimes bleed, and be tender. Pregnancy, with its accompanying hormonal changes, tends to aggravate an existing gingival condition and can cause PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS. A thorough prophylaxis or cleaning of your teeth early in your pregnancy coupled with daily brushing, flossing and proper diet are therefore most important to help you avoid such painful complications.
Summary
Working together with your physician, your dentist can and should provide for you close dental supervision to help you avoid undue discomfort caused by tooth decay, gum problems, and improper diet. Seek their help early to assure proper prenatal care for you and your baby.
Especially For You...
To help and encourage our expectant mothers to enjoy better dental health, we have designed the following prenatal program of dental supervision.
Initial Oral Examination
This appointment is best made as early in the pregnancy as possible and followed by a consultation. Every effort will be made to work with your physician to integrate total prenatal care.
Radiographs (X-rays)
If X-ray films are necessary, the number of X-rays will be restricted to a minimum. Modern high-speed equipment and film will be used, and a lead apron placed across your lap will reduce the minimal hazards of secondary radiation to your child.
Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
A highly-trained dental hygienist will clean your teeth and instruct you in proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques for better home care and improved oral health.
Dietary Counseling
Instruction in dental caries prevention and the health of the supporting
structures of the teeth through your diet and food intake will be given.
Written materials will harmonize with and augment your physician's instructions
to assure better overall dietary understanding.
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