You are expecting? Congratulations! We are so happy for you and your family. The addition of a new life is a very exciting thing, and everyone has their own opinions about how you should be taking care of yourself and the baby.

You probably weren’t expecting to get advice from your dentist, but here we are, and we have some very important information for you to consider! Caring for your teeth is important through all walks of life, but it is especially important when pregnant because it’s not just your teeth on the line, but the health of your baby as well.

Protecting Your Baby Before Birth

Over the next nine months, you are going to do everything you can to protect your baby. You will be seeing your obstetrician or midwife on a routine basis. You will go through testing and blood work and ultrasounds all the ensure that you and the baby are doing well. Through all of this, you have some things that you need to do at home to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

Drinking Water

– Staying hydrated is incredibly important when you have a baby on board. Caffeine intake is limited, and a lot of sugar can affect your blood while pregnant. Drinking water is the best way to keep yourself and baby healthy.

Eating Well

– You’ve heard stories of pregnant women craving crazy food combinations. These things can happen, but most women will simply try to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with an adequate amount of protein and dairy.

Exercising

– A low-impact exercise routine is excellent for pregnant mothers. It keeps your body healthy, and it gives a boost of oxygen to the baby. Don’t start a hectic exercise routine if you’ve not been exercising, but find something you enjoy that is also gentle on your body!

Seeing Your Dentist

– One of your most important tasks while pregnant is to come see us. It’s a commonly overlooked part of prenatal care that can have a massive impact on the outcome of your delivery. Continue reading to learn more.

The Threat of Gum Disease

Gum disease is an epidemic in the United States. A recent CDC study found that 47% of all American adults are living with gum disease. That number is incredibly alarming when you consider that gum disease is linked with things like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. There is even more troubling news for pregnant women.

More Likely While Pregnant

– Due to the shift in hormones, you are more likely to develop gum disease (and other gum issues) while pregnant. Your body is not able to fight off the infection as well as it would normally, so many women find themselves with a gum disease infection even though they were perfectly healthy before pregnancy.

Can Lead to Preterm Delivery

– Gum disease on its own wouldn’t be so bad because it is easily treatable, but gum disease has been linked with preterm delivery and low birthweight babies. This is not and cause and effect relationship, but the two conditions have been linked time and time again.

Care for Yourself and Baby

It is important that you take the steps necessary to care for yourself and your baby by caring for your smile! Brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic rinse can keep bacteria at bay, but nothing replaces the care and thorough cleaning you receive from the dentist’s office.

Our hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your smile so that you can focus all of your attention on growing that baby!

Contact Our Office Today!

Whether you are expecting or you are just in need of your routine cleaning and exam, give us a call at Antoine Dental Center. We would love to help you have a healthier smile so that you can put your attention on more important things! Contact us today to set up your appointment. We can’t wait to see you soon!