First of all, congratulations! While it is a very exciting time in your life, it is also the time to assume a great responsibility of caring for the well-being of two people instead of one. There are some simple but vital points to remember:

1. It is always a great idea to make sure your oral health is in a good condition before you even become pregnant, as there is an array of issues, like infections due to gum disease, etc., that can impact your baby’s health.

2. It is extremely important to notify our office that you are pregnant as some dental procedures may not be recommended for you during the pregnancy or we may need to alter our approach to treatment because of it. Please consult with our office and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.

3. Assuming that all the necessary dental issues have been addressed, the next thing to focus on is nutrition. Everything you eat and drink will affect not only your own general health, but your unborn baby’s as well. Eat right and take any prenatal vitamins your obstetrician recommends so that you and the baby will get all the calcium you both need. Guard against the urge to snack between meals. Anything that tastes even slightly sweet contains sugar, including milk and fruit, so you should brush and floss, especially after consuming any carbohydrates.

4. Good hygiene is the best prevention against a number of pregnancy-related issues. The surge in hormones that generally starts in the second month can cause gums to react differently to the plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. If you don’t get regular cleanings, the result can be an increased chance of tooth decay, “pregnancy gingivitis,” or other infections. Untreated dental conditions pose a risk to your unborn baby as well as yourself. Gum irritation is also thought to be one of the causes of “pregnancy tumors,” which are localized swellings in the gums. These lumps are noncancerous, but they can be painful and disfiguring. Please check with us if you develop any growths or if you notice any changes in your mouth, and remember that regular cleanings are the best way to avoid these problems.