The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy

The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also causes many changes to a woman’s body – including her oral health. Fortunately, with the proper care and precautions, you can keep your teeth and gums in great shape throughout your pregnancy.

The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may cause an increased risk of gingivitis (gum inflammation) and make you more susceptible to gum disease. To combat this, practising diligent oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings is crucial.

We highly advise pregnant patients to maintain excellent oral health. Pregnant women are prone to gum bleeding and swelling, so regular professional cleanings are extremely important unless otherwise advised by your obstetrician.

The Benefits of Continuing Dental Care During Pregnancy

In most cases, routine dental procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals can be safely performed, especially during the second trimester, which is considered the safest period. Your dentist may take extra precautions during the first trimester as this stage is more delicate.

In the third trimester, our dentists prefer to only treat dental emergencies, but cleanings and check-ups pose no issue at any stage of pregnancy.

The Check-up and Clean Process

If you’re a new patient at Seabreeze Dental, your first comprehensive cleaning will take about 60 minutes. This gives our hygienist and dentist time to evaluate your oral health thoroughly, understand your needs, and create a personalised treatment plan if required.

Subsequent routine cleanings also last approximately one hour to ensure your teeth receive a deep, professional cleaning. Your dental team is committed to keeping you and your baby healthy!