Prenatal
Dental Care
The old adage, "A tooth for every child" is not true! You can take steps
to assure your own dental health -- and to give your baby the best possible
start toward a lifetime of good dental health too!
We Need to
Know
Much of the baby's critical development happens in the early weeks, often
before you are certain that you are pregnant. Because you don't to take
chances on having anything go wrong, it is important that you let us know
if you even suspect you are pregnant.
Dental Care
During Pregnancy
Anything that disturbs the mother's health, may affect her baby -- and
your dental health is important to both of you. To prevent a dental emergency
from arising, it is important that you see us at your regular examination
and hygiene appointments.
Routine and preventive dental care can be provided at any time during a
normal pregnancy; however, since most women feel their best during the
second trimester, it is usually recommended that any extensive care be
scheduled at that time.
If necessary, emergency care can be provided at almost any time during
pregnancy, but it is preferable to avoid any such emergency situation.
Your toothache can affect your baby's health and you don't want that to
happen.
Radiographs
(x-rays)
We take x-rays of your teeth only when necessary. However, if you are pregnant,
or suspect you are pregnant, every effort will be made to postpone all
radiographs. If radiographs must be taken, a lead-lined apron will be used
to protect you and your baby.
Dentistry,
Drugs and Pregnancy
We will insure that no drugs or medications are used during your treatment
that could have adverse effects on your baby. The good news is, that there
have been no adverse effects reported on the use of local anesthetics during
pregnancy. This means regular dental care can be provided with safety and
comfort.
Special Problems
You may notice early in your pregnancy that your gums are red, swollen
and bleed easily when you brush. This is known as Pregnancy Gingivitis,
and is believed to occur in response to the hormonal changes in the mother's
body.
Pregnancy Gingivitis usually goes away after the birth of your baby. However,
should you develop this condition you should contact us. Any irritant on
the teeth, such as calculus (tartar) or plaque, will make the Pregnancy
Gingivitis more severe. Professional cleaning and dental care can help
to eliminate this problem and to make you feel more comfortable.
Diet and
Dental Health
It is not true that the baby absorbs calcium from the mother's teeth during
pregnancy. Your baby is dependent upon your diet to provide the calcium,
phosphorous and other vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation
of healthy teeth.
It is important that you carefully follow the well-balanced diet recommended
by your obstetrician. Also, you should avoid eating too many sugar-rich
foods.
What About
Dental Care For The Baby?
When your baby is born, all 20 of the primary teeth, and some of the permanent
teeth will be in the various stages of formation. Your good health and
balanced diet during pregnancy help to assure optimal prenatal development
of these teeth.
After birth you can continue to assure proper development of your baby's
teeth by asking your pediatrician about fluoride supplements. Good diet
and early learning of good dental health habits are important too.
Your baby should be ready for that all important first visit with us about
the time he or she is two years old. It is best if you plan this visit
before the child has a dental problem. In the meantime, we will be happy
to answer any questions you may have about your baby's dental health and
development.
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