Dental Care During Pregnancy

Dental procedures in Asheville help ensure a healthy baby.

When you’re pregnant, you know you have to stay as healthy as possible so your new baby gets the best start in life. But it’s not enough to find a top obstetrician; you may be surprised to learn that proper dental care is just as important during your pregnancy. This is so due to raised hormone levels that impact your dental health, which affects your overall health.

Practice Prevention

If you’re thinking of starting a family, be sure to get a thorough cleaning and examination done, and try to complete any needed dental procedures in Asheville before your pregnancy begins. Once you discovered you’re pregnant, congratulations and euphoria arrive in equal measure. Take time to consider your health. Continue to eat right and exercise, as long as your doctor gives you the OK. And maintain your healthy dental regimen.

Your home dental hygiene routine shouldn’t change much. Continue to brush and floss regularly, and drink plenty of water to help rinse your mouth between brushing. If you’re experiencing increased thirst, remember to stay away from sugary drinks. Step up the brushing if you’re craving sweet or sticky foods that can lead to tooth decay.

Keep Up the Care

Stay on track for your regular visits and cleanings. If you don’t, you’re at increased risk for dental problems that can lead to a variety of complications — even premature birth. When you go in for dental procedures in Asheville, let your dentist know you’re pregnant. If you’re experiencing anything that could make the visit less comfortable, such as morning sickness or back pain, speak up! The whole dental staff will do whatever they can to accommodate your needs.

Keeping up with your regular dental visits also reduces the risk that you’ll need additional dental procedures, such as fillings or extractions post pregnancy. While your dentist can perform these procedures safely during pregnancy, it’s best to wait if possible.

If you need something done beyond a routine cleaning and exam, schedule it for the second trimester. The first trimester is a critical time for your baby’s growth and development, so do everything you can to minimize risks. During the third trimester, you may be uncomfortable lying on your back for more than a couple of minutes.

Tiny Baby Teeth

It’s very unlikely that your baby will be born with teeth, but they do actually begin to develop long before the baby is born. They’re waiting just under the surface. Eating a healthy, balanced diet full of calcium-rich foods such as cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens help ensure that your baby’s teeth are healthy and strong.

And it’s not just teeth — all that calcium helps your baby grow strong bones as well. Remember, you’re eating for two. Eating a healthy diet benefits you too, giving you all the nutrients you need as your body changes to adapt to this new time in your life.

Caring for You Two

Whatever your dental care needs during pregnancy, your Asheville dentist is here to ensure that you get the best possible care. We’ll help you figure out the best way to keep you and your baby as healthy as we can during this exciting time.

—The Zöe Dental Team