There are many things that change when a woman becomes pregnant. The activities that she can engage in, the food she eats, and the beverages she drinks are all adjusted during pregnancy to keep the baby safe. Included in the changes to daily life is the marked increase in doctor appointments that go along with monitoring a healthy pregnancy. Because it is such a busy time with so many things to do and think about, sometimes pregnant women avoid regular dental visits. There are a variety of reasons why this happens, but the most commonly cited reason is because of the belief that seeing a dentist could harm the baby.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. While there are certain services that a pregnant woman may not engage in until after she gives birth, such as x-rays, teeth cleaning is a good thing. Oral health issues can arise as a result of pregnancy because of the many changes in the body. It is beneficial for pregnant women to keep up with their oral health.

What Type of Oral Health Issues Are Related to Pregnancy?

There are some oral health conditions that can develop during pregnancy and are directly related to pregnancy.

1. The hormonal changes that pregnant women experience can affect the mouth. It is very common for a pregnant woman to have tender gums that are inflamed and even bleed as a result of pregnancy gum disease. Keeping up with flossing and brushing as well as regular checkups with your San Diego general dentist will help keep this condition under control.
2. Nausea that some women have to deal with especially during the first trimester can cause increased tooth decay because of the constant exposure to stomach acid. Brushing or using mouthwash after any vomiting incident can wash away that acid which if left alone, will sit on the teeth and lead to deterioration.
3. If a pregnant woman’s mouth becomes inflamed and vulnerable to infection, that can be the cause of many other negative health implications for the mother and her baby including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, low birth-weight in babies, as well as premature birth. Seeing a San Marcos general dentist for cleanings and for examinations can support healthy oral hygiene and prevent these complications.
4. Pregnancy tumors can develop in a woman’s mouth. These growths are not permanent and they aren’t cancerous, but they can be very uncomfortable. While they tend to go away after a woman gives birth, there is no harm in having a San Marcos family dentist remove one when it becomes irritating.

Make an Appointment with your San Marcos Dentist Today

Visiting your San Diego family dentist to manage your oral health while you are pregnant is a must. However, if you are concerned about safety, the San Marcos preventative dentist at McBride Dental can work with your obstetrician to ensure that your overall wellbeing is properly and safely managed. Call McBride Dental today at (760) 471-1003. The San Diego preventative dentist at McBride Dental has been offering quality, comfortable, and personalized dental care to residents of San Marcos and the surrounding areas of San Diego for more than 30 years.