Dental Care and Pregnancy: Dentistry and General Wellness
The entire team here at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist believe in proper general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry focused on total wellness and good health. This goes for patients of all ages, and especially for pregnant women. As you're about to read, dental health and your general health are more closely linked than you may have previously thought.
Does my dental health really affect my general wellness?
Yes, it does. And it can even affect your pregnancy and possibly even the health of your baby.
Studies have found that women who experience gum disease during pregnancy are more likely to experience premature birth and other serious complications.
This isn't to say that gum disease causes birth defects per se, but rather that being in good general health means a better chance for a healthy pregnancy. Dental health and general wellness are certainly linked together.
Dental Care Before You Become Pregnant
If you are actively trying to get pregnant, it's a good idea to meet with your dentist and your doctor for a checkup. This will allow you to find out about any general health or dental health issues that you may be facing, and allow you to undergo any necessary treatment before you are even pregnant. This is particularly important if you require major medical care or dental work performed.
Attend Checkups During Pregnancy as You Normally Would
During your pregnancy, it's important that you attend your regular dental checkups as scheduled. You will be able to undergo a full dental cleaning and speak with your dentist about your dental health concerns that you have been facing.
X-rays and Major Dental Work Will Be Postponed Until After Childbirth
At your routine dental visit, no x-rays will be taken. Even though the level of radiation exposure during a routine dental visit is low, it's important to avoid any situation involving radiation exposure to ensure the health and wellness of the developing baby. In addition, major dental work will be avoided during pregnancy in order to prevent possible complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
The only time that x-rays or major dental therapies will be performed during pregnancy is if there is a pressing health care emergency that has to be addressed. In these cases, all precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure and potential harm to the baby.
Dental Care After Childbirth
After having your child, it's back to business as usual at your dentist office. Any major dental work that was postponed during pregnancy will be performed after childbirth.
When to Bring Your Baby to the Dentist for the First Time
As a general rule, it's best to bring your child to the dentist for the first time within six months of the emergence of the first baby tooth. This will allow a dentist to assess any dental health concerns in these early stages of growth, and will also allow dentists to provide parents with helpful tips for proper dental care of their baby.
Learn More About Advanced Dental Care During Pregnancy
For more information about your options for advanced general dentistry and how it can help you have a smile that is beautiful and healthy, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The team here at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist looks forward to your visit and helping you get the healthy and beautiful smile that you have always wanted.
