Dental Health During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Some women develop dental problems during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is why women must take extra care of their dental health during this crucial period. Part of this is having a routine dental checkup to know more about your dental health conditions. 

Dental Care While Pregnant 

Go to your routine dental visits during pregnancy. Urgent treatments can be done then while all elective procedures can be postponed. Check with your obstetrician for any precautions you should follow. 

Also, tell your dentist about the doses and usages of your medicines. This helps the dentist to alter your dental treatment based on your medication. Note also that it is safe to perform dental X-rays as the dentist uses extreme care to protect you and your baby. 

Hormonal changes increase during pregnancy. This puts you at an increased risk for pregnancy gingivitis and periodontal diseases. It is better to consult your doctor if you experience swelling, tenderness, or bleeding of your gums. 

Here are some dental care guidelines pregnant women can follow at home: 

• Brush your teeth once in the day and once at night and then floss before going to bed. 
• Switch to bland-tasting toothpaste if morning sickness is preventing you from brushing your teeth. 
• Avoid sugary snacks to reduce the chance of developing tooth decay.
• Follow a healthy, balanced diet. Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products contain minerals. They are adequate for a baby's developing teeth, gums, and bones.

Dental Health During Breastfeeding

It is important to have a dental checkup soon after delivery. It is safe to go for X-rays while you are breastfeeding your child. Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide also do not harm the breastfeeding mother. To have better gums in your baby, you should wipe their gums after each feeding. 

While it is recommended to shorten dental appointments in pregnant women, they can go back to normal for breastfeeding women. Treatments such as veneers and dental crowns require more time and multiple appointments and are safe to perform during breastfeeding. 

Teeth whitening treatment is not advised during breastfeeding to avoid unnecessary risks. However, it is safe to use whitening toothpaste. The concentration of whitening ingredients is minimal in toothpaste. 

New mothers tend to skip brushing and flossing. This affects dental health and leads to cavities and gum diseases. 

Wellness Centered Dentistry provides better health care solutions for pregnant and breastfeeding women. You can find us at 16150 NE 85th St #115, Redmond, WA 98052. Contact us at (425) 882-1354 or visit our website for more information.