Posted on: July 31, 2017

When you find out you are pregnant, you probably set up visits to your doctor so you can monitor the health of your baby and your own health. However, have you thought about your dental health? Many pregnant women are not aware of the toll pregnancy can take on their teeth and gums, especially problems with gum disease. We want you to be aware of these issues because of the risks bad dental health can pose to your unborn baby.

Plaque Buildup

Pregnancy has been linked with plaque buildup on the teeth, which can lead to gingivitis. This has been shown to be connected to the increase in hormones during pregnancy that cause the gums to react differently to plaque. Any plaque buildup or any existing gum disease can lead to more serious problems during pregnancy.

The Danger of Plaque

While it isn’t comfortable or nice to suffer from gingivitis, it is even more of a problem for your unborn baby. There have been links between gum disease and low birthweight and premature birth. Both situations can pose risks for your new baby and lead to complications, possibly even a lengthy hospital stay. Obviously, you want to minimize the chances of these problems, which requires paying more attention to your dental health during pregnancy.

Removing the Plaque

In order to ensure your dental health is on the right track, you need to see a family dentist in La Plata, MD. We will do a complete exam, keeping in mind that you are pregnant and doing everything to keep you and your baby safe. Regular cleanings and plaque removal can help to prevent gum disease from forming or getting worse.

You want to do everything to ensure your baby is born healthy. While it is important to attend regular doctor visits, you can’t forget about your dental health. Make sure you contact our office to set up your pregnancy dental checkup.