When you’re expecting a baby, you are going to have a lot of questions. Both your health and the baby’s become one of your foremost concerns. You may have heard some worrisome information. Are you more likely to get dental disease when you’re pregnant? Can you get treatment before the baby is born? Does the calcium for your baby’s teeth really come from your own?
As far as calcium goes, there’s no need to worry. Your body does not ransack your teeth for the sake of your child’s; that calcium comes from the nutrients you take in when you eat. If you don’t take in enough calcium in your diet, the deficit might be taken from your bones. However, some of the other things you may have heard might have some basis in truth.
Pregnancy and Gum Disease
If you were told that you are at a greater risk for gum disease when you are pregnant, that is correct. The change in hormones during pregnancy can cause many alterations. Higher levels of progesterone increases the risk of gum inflammation, leading to an increased risk of periodontal disease. This is so common it is often called “pregnancy gingivitis.” You may also see growths on your gums, known as “pregnancy tumors.” While benign, these growths can be unsightly, and may be connected to dental plaque.
It is also true that periodontal disease can be harmful to your baby. Oral health is tied to your overall health. Inflammation and infection in the gums can trigger a similar response elsewhere in the body, including in the placenta. Severe infections can even get into the bloodstream, putting both your lives at risk. If you suffer from gum disease, your baby is much more likely to be born prematurely, underweight, or suffer other complications.
For this reason, people also insist that you cannot receive dental treatment during pregnancy. This is simply not true. Keeping up with your oral health is always important, especially when it could affect the health and development of your child. Make an appointment with Bedford Dental Group as soon as you find out you are pregnant. While there are some limitations on procedures that can be safely performed, in most cases you and your child will be safe. If you have any questions about your oral health and pregnancy, please feel free to ask. Dr. Naysan knows the importance of good oral health during your pregnancy and will work throughout this time to keep you as healthy as possible.
