Oral Health Concerns Specific to Pregnant Women
Meridian Dental Clinic
A lot of changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. Hormone fluctuations are responsible for many of those changes, including the need for additional attention to the teeth and gums. Women who are expecting are at an increased risk for oral health complications, including gingivitis and tooth decay, which can lead to irreversible damage. Fortunately, there are steps pregnant women can take to keep their teeth and gums in optimal health from the first trimester to delivery day. Today, Dr. Mark Walker, Dr. Steven Inaba, Dr. Josh Walker and our team at Meridian Dental Clinic thought we would share them.
At-home dental care
At-home dental care should not vary much from what you did prior to pregnancy. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at a minimum of twice per day using fluoridated toothpaste. Follow up with floss to keep bacteria from accumulating in hard-to-reach spaces.
Dental checkups
It is safe and recommended to continue visiting Dr. Mark Walker, Dr. Steven Inaba, Dr. Josh Walker for routine dental checkups and cleanings during pregnancy. However, it is very important to inform Dr. Mark Walker, Dr. Steven Inaba, Dr. Josh Walker about an existing pregnancy. Special steps must be taken to protect pregnant women from certain medications or X-ray radiation that could be harmful to a growing baby. On the other hand, avoiding teeth cleanings during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences, including advanced tooth decay and infection.
Food and cravings
It is no secret that pregnancy can cause a woman to crave specific foods. Sugary treats like candy, cookies, or sodas may satisfy a sweet tooth, but they can also cause serious dental problems when consumed frequently or without brushing afterward. Trade out these treats for naturally sweet fruits when possible, and never forget to brush and floss thoroughly after eating sugar-filled foods.
Signs of complications
It is important to know and recognize the signs of oral health problems during pregnancy; an early diagnosis usually translates to an easier, less-invasive treatment. Symptoms of potential problems include gums that easily bleed or are swollen, reddened, or painful. These are symptoms of gingivitis, which can lead to a receding gum line and tooth loss if left untreated.
Call our Kent, Wa office if you experience any of these symptoms or pain in a tooth, loss of a tooth, a broken tooth, or bad breath that does not go away with brushing.
Meridian Dental Clinic in Kent, WA discusses why professional teeth whitening is worth it.
Meridian Dental Clinic in Kent, WA discusses gum disease therapy options.
Get answers to all your emergency dentistry questions by Meridian Dental Clinic. We are Kent, WA's top dentist.
Get answers to all your dental implants questions from Meridian Dental Clinic. We are Kent, WA's top dentist for implants, veneers, and teeth whitening!
Meridian Dental Clinic is your Kent, Auburn, and Renton, WA dentist, providing quality dental care for children, teens, and adults. Call today.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, or HFMD, is a type of contagious viral illness that causes a rash in the mouth and on the hands and feet of infants and young children, and, while rare, adults.
Everyone’s dental needs are different. The amount of fluoride a person needs is determined by age (children), tooth sensitivity, risk for cavities, and medical conditions. When a patient needs additional fluoride it can be applied in a foam or varnish.
The Fourth of July is a great time to get together with friends and family members for BBQ, games, fireworks, and other celebrations in honor of our country’s independence.
Are you afraid to open your mouth because you have bad breath? You’re not alone bad breath or Halitosis happens to everyone, at one time or another. If you have chronic bad breath there could be a number of reasons.
Our experts at Meridian Dental Clinic have handpicked the three must-have procedures that we believe can benefit nearly every patient.