Dental Care Can Promote a Healthy Pregnancy
Many women see pregnancy as a time of excitement and anticipation. However, as wonderful as pregnancy can be, it can also be a time of concern. Especially when a woman is experiencing her first pregnancy, it can be difficult to keep track of all medical advice and ensure that the right decisions are being made for both mother and child. At Heringer Dentistry, we see many patients who have questions regarding dental care and pregnancy at our Bismarck practice. We are happy to discuss the benefits of our family dentistry services to preserve good oral health throughout pregnancy. Professional dental care during pregnancy is not only safe, but can play an integral role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy Dental Care Guidelines
Our team of dentists takes dental care very seriously, and we always put the safety and comfort of our patients first, whether that patient is pregnant or not. However, when we are treating patients who are pregnant, we take extra steps to ensure that dental care won’t compromise the health, safety, or comfort of the mother or child during this important time. Below are some dental care guidelines that are typically followed in regards to the different areas of dental care throughout pregnancy:
- General dentistry: General dentistry services include all treatments that are considered preventative. These services, such as exams and cleanings, help to maintain good oral health and prevent the teeth or gums from becoming damaged by decay or infection. General dentistry services are not only completely safe throughout pregnancy, but are highly encouraged.
- Restorative dentistry: Restorative dentistry services include treatments that are administered to address oral health complications. Restorative dentistry treatments can improve the structure and health of the teeth and gums when decay, infection, or damage is present. Restorative dentistry treatments are safe for pregnant patients, but in order to avoid any unnecessary risks, these treatments may be postponed until after the first trimester is complete, whenever possible.
- Cosmetic dentistry: Cosmetic dentistry treatments are safe and are always administered with care and precaution. However, because cosmetic dentistry treatments are elective, it is best to avoid these services until after pregnancy is complete. This is just an extra precaution we take to maintain the safety of our patients.
Benefits of Dental Care during Pregnancy
General dental care is not only safe during pregnancy, but it is highly encouraged. Statistics show that women who are pregnant are at a higher risk of experiencing gum disease, a condition that results in swollen and tender gums. This condition, which is essentially an infection of the gums, has been linked to a higher rate of pre-mature births and low birth weights. Both general and restorative dentistry treatments benefit patients by combatting this and other dental complications so that patients maintain the good oral health that can promote a healthy pregnancy.
Contact Us
At Heringer Dentistry, you can be confident that our dentists are looking out for our patients by providing care of the highest quality. If you have questions regarding dental care and pregnancy, or are simply looking for more information regarding our wide range of dental services, contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!
