BEFORE You Get Pregnant
- Make sure you visit your dentist regularly to make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape.
- Understand that increased hormones during pregnancy can make your teeth and gums more sensitive.
1st Trimester
- Inform your dentist of your pregnancy
- See if your dental insurance gives you additional benefits when pregnant
- Your dentist will check for “Pregnancy Gingivitis” – changes in hormones leads to puffy or inflamed gums
- If suffering from morning sickness, rinse your mouth often. A fluoride rinse might be recommended by your dentist
- Use a soft toothbrush with small bristles to prevent vomiting
- Do not brush right after vomiting
2nd Trimester
- Avoid sugary snacks as much as you can
- Be sure to get plenty of Vitamin C, Calcium, and Vitamin B12 in your diet
- Although there is no harm to the baby, try to avoid bleaching
- You may experience “Pregnancy Granuloma” – small temporary tumors appearing in your mouth or lips while pregnant. This is normal but inform your dentist
3rd Trimester
- Remain thorough in your brushing and flossing regimen
- Avoid any dental treatments in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy
- Schedule a dental appointment after the baby is born
Nursing Post-Partum
- Have your mouth examined by a dentist soon after delivery
- Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and x-rays are all safe while breastfeeding
- Start brushing your baby’s teeth with a small brush and water to avoid “baby bottle tooth decay”
- Talk to your dentist about removing and amalgam fillings you may have because the mercury present can sometimes be transferred to the baby via breastfeeding
Development of Your Child’s Teeth While You Are Pregnant
- Since baby teeth start to develop 3 months into pregnancy, what you eat while pregnant will affect the baby’s teeth development
- Certain medications (like antibiotics) should be avoided because they stain the baby’s teeth
MYTHS
- Each pregnancy causes you to lose a tooth
- It is unsafe to see your dentist while pregnant
- Babies remove calcium from your own teeth
- X-rays can’t be done while pregnant
Below is a graph to help you maintain good oral health while pregnant. If you are a pregnant patient and need more information, contact our dental office in Delta, BC at (778) 590-1373.
OPENING HOURS
| Monday – Firday | 9:00 – 5:00 |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 3:00 |
| Sunday/Holidays | CLOSED |
