Dental Health During Pregnancy Prairieville, LA
Maintaining dental health during pregnancy is a crucial part of proper prenatal care for women. Many changes happen to the body during pregnancy, including ones that can affect dental health. Fortunately, receiving the necessary care for teeth, gums, and mouth can help patients have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Do not hesitate to take care of your oral health during pregnancy. Our team at GBR Dental provides prenatal dental care in Prairieville and the surrounding area to help patients maintain their dental health during pregnancy. Call us today at (225) 754-4422 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Dental Health Conditions That Can Form During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, changes in the body can affect the teeth and gums. They can occur for various reasons, such as increased hormone levels, different eating habits, and less adherence to proper oral hygiene routines. These changes can cause some dental health conditions during pregnancy, such as:
- Gum Disease. Pregnancy gingivitis can develop into gum disease without proper treatment.
- Loose Teeth. During pregnancy, increased levels of progesterone and estrogen can temporarily loosen the bones and tissues that hold teeth in position.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis. Raised levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy increase the risk of gingivitis.
- Pregnancy Tumors. These lumps develop on the gums due to excessive amounts of plaque but are non-cancerous.
- Tooth Decay. Morning sickness or a diet that includes more sugars and carbohydrates increases the risk of pregnant women developing cavities.
- Tooth Erosion. Stomach acid from vomiting during morning sickness can wear down the tooth enamel.
“Raised levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy increase the risk of gingivitis.”
Choosing a Dentist During Pregnancy
Oral health is not something to neglect during pregnancy. Bad oral health during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, and a host of other health problems. Women should have a dental check-up during pregnancy and receive a non-toxic cleaning and examination.
This will reduce the risk of exposure to potentially unsafe toxins, chemicals, and allergens. We provide dental care to help women maintain their oral and overall health throughout their pregnancy through safe and minimally invasive treatments.
“Women should have a dental check-up during their pregnancy to receive a non-toxic cleaning and examination.”
Dental Care Measures During Pregnancy
Taking proper dental care measures during pregnancy will lower the risk of dental issues that can lead to complications. Patients should notify us if they are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant. It is typically safe to receive routine dental care throughout pregnancy. Having regular dental check-ups before and during pregnancy will allow us to identify and treat any dental problems early.
Regular exams and teeth cleanings are crucial during this period to prevent gingivitis and gum disease. Pregnant women should also make sure to brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine during pregnancy will remove plaque and lower the risk of decay and other dental issues. Patients should also tell us about the medications and prenatal vitamins they are taking so we can alter their dental treatment plan accordingly.
“Having regular dental check-ups before and during pregnancy will allow us to identify and treat any dental problems early.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Health During Pregnancy in Prairieville, LA
Other Aspects of Pregnancy To Discuss With a Dentist
Dentists can also help patients regarding other areas of health during pregnancy, including nutrition, heart health, and pain. Our team can provide patients with nutritional guidance to maintain a healthy diet throughout their pregnancy. What women eat during their pregnancy can affect their oral health and their baby's development. For this reason, it is important to limit sugary foods and beverages and eat a nutrient-rich diet with calcium, phosphorus, protein, and vitamins A, C, and D.
Dentists understand the connection between oral and overall health. We can educate patients on how increased plaque during pregnancy can adversely affect heart health. Plaque can lead to pregnancy gingivitis and gum disease, which have a connection to heart disease. Increased hormone levels during pregnancy can also lead to sore teeth and gums. Our team can provide patients with tips and advice to help manage sensitive teeth during pregnancy.
“…it is important to limit sugary foods and beverages and eat a nutrient-rich diet with calcium, phosphorus, protein, and vitamins A, C, and D.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are some dental health conditions that can form during pregnancy?
Q. What should pregnant women look for in a dentist?
Q. What dental care measures should women take during pregnancy?
Q. What other aspects of health can pregnant women discuss with a dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. How does oral health affect the gut and immune system?
Q. How can a cracked or broken tooth affect other body systems?
Q. What should patients do if they have sensitive teeth?
Q. What are the health risks of gum disease?
FAQs
Q. Can I receive local anesthetics for dental treatment while pregnant?
A. Yes. According to the American Dental Association, local anesthetics are safe for pregnant mothers. Consequently, pregnant patients do not have to worry about the safety of receiving numbing medication during dental treatment.
Q. What happens if I get a pregnancy tumor?
A. A pregnancy tumor appears red and raw-looking. These lumps can bleed easily but will typically disappear after pregnancy. If the lumps remain after the patient's baby is born, our team can help remove them.
Q. Is it safe to receive an X-ray during pregnancy?
A. Yes. It is safe for pregnant patients to have an X-ray during pregnancy. While the radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low, our team will take all the necessary precautions to keep patients safe. We will cover them with a leaded apron to shield the abdomen and a leaded collar to protect the thyroid.
Q. How does smoking affect dental health during pregnancy?
A. Pregnant women should not smoke while pregnant. Smoking adversely affects oral health, especially gums. The numerous acids and chemicals in cigarettes directly affect the mother's oral and overall health and the baby's.
Q. What are the symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis?
A. Pregnancy gingivitis typically occurs during the second and eighth months of pregnancy. The symptoms of this condition will range depending on its severity. Early symptoms may appear as red and inflamed gums, while more advanced stages can result in severe swelling and bleeding.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Proper dental care is essential for both expectant mothers and unborn babies during pregnancy. We at GBR Dental may be able to help. Call us today at 225-754-4422 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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