Caring For a Baby's Teeth Before He's Born

Having a baby is among the most exciting and special times in a woman's life. If you're expecting, no doubt you've read all the pregnancy books and therefore are taking extra precautions to ensure your developing fetus is safe and healthier. Some women that are pregnant believe that visits to the dentist must be avoided until following the baby comes into the world but this is merely not the case. Regular dental checkups and cleaning are specifically essential throughout pregnancy.

Pregnancy affects all of a woman's human body. Alongside an expanding waistline and swelled up ankles may also come distended, puffy, and sometimes even bloody gums. Gingivitis causes red, tender, sensitive and painful gums that may bleed while brushing and flossing which is particularly common throughout pregnancy.

To avoid gingivitis, or even to help heal your gums if gingivitis has developed in the mouth area, your dentist might recommend extra cleanings throughout your pregnancy. Taking care of your teeth can't wait until once you deliver your child. The American Dental Association (ADA) cautions that "pregnant women who've severe periodontal (gum) illness might be at increased risk for pre-term delivery, which escalates the threat of having a low-birthweight baby. "

It's important to keep in mind that good dental health is essential to your general health insurance and the healthiness of your unborn daughter or son.

Your physician has certainly discussed with you the significance of eating a vibrant diet throughout pregnancy. Based on the ADA, "what you consume throughout the nine months of pregnancy affects the development of one's unborn child-including teeth. " The ADA explains that the baby's teeth "begin to build up between your third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it's essential that you receive adequate levels of nutrients-especially calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D. "

The old clich�� of the pregnant woman eating pickles with ice cream could make us laugh to assume, but as any pregnant woman will let you know, cravings and a heightened appetite in many cases are part of pregnancy. Extra snacking can spell trouble for the teeth. The ADA cautions that "frequent snacking on carbohydrate-containing foods is definitely an invitation to tooth decay. " It is most likely better to avoid constant snacking and make sure to brush after every meal when possible.

In the event that you experience a dental emergency throughout your pregnancy, like a toothache or broken tooth, you need to call your dentist instantly to get care. Based on the ADA, "untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental care might be essential to maintain the healthiness of mom and daughter or son. "

Many women that are pregnant are hesitant to get dental x-rays throughout pregnancy due to the perceived risk from radiation. The ADA assures us that "radiation from dental x-rays is very low" and that the dentist will require the required precautions to reduce radiation exposure, such as for example placing a leaded apron in your abdomen to limit exposure. You need to inform your dentist of one's pregnancy at the start of one's appointment and together you'll discuss which treatment is better for you personally as well as your developing fetus.

To keep the mouth area healthier throughout pregnancy it's important to brush and floss at the very least twice daily. It's also vital that you carry on your regular dental checkups and cleanings throughout pregnancy. In the event that you have not visited a dentist in over 6 months, it is time to call and make a scheduled appointment. Your developing fetus will thanks for doing whatever you can to take care of your general health insurance and the healthiness of your child.