Peoria, IL Dentist Discusses Dental Issues During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting and busy time! Make sure that between the doctor's visits and the nursery preparation you leave some time for a trip to the dentist. While many women go through their whole pregnancies without any dental issues, there are some common problems that pop up in pregnant women, and taking care of them is important not only for your health but also potentially for the health of your baby.
 
Dental Problems in Pregnancy
 
A woman's body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy, and some of those changes can affect teeth and gums. Increases in hormones such as progesterone can make your gums more sensitive to tartar. This increases the likelihood of gingivitis and might also cause "pregnancy tumors," bumps on your gums that might make things such as eating and talking painful. Cavities are also more common during pregnancy, due to such things as morning sickness increasing the acidity of your mouth, dry mouth and interrupted dental hygiene routines.
 
Dental problems during pregnancy can cause trouble for you, and studies have suggested a correlation between gum disease and problems for your baby, such as premature birth or low birth weight. So in addition to keeping up with brushing and flossing, it's a good idea to visit your dentist.
 
When to See Your Dentist
 
If you're planning on becoming pregnant, the best thing to do is to see your dentist regularly! Going into pregnancy with your teeth and gums in the best shape possible will lessen the chances of problems during pregnancy itself. Once you're pregnant, see your dentist right away if any issues arise. If everything is going well, try to see your dentist during the second trimester for a check-up.
 
What to Tell Your Dentist
 
First of all, obviously, tell them that you're pregnant! Second, tell them about any complications. If your pregnancy is high-risk or if you're taking any medications, your dentist needs to know. Third, tell them about any symptoms you might be experiencing. Anything you notice that is out of the ordinary for you is important to mention so that your dentist gets a full picture and can help deal with anything that arises.
 
Conclusion
 
You want to take good care of yourself during pregnancy, and that includes taking good care of your teeth! If you keep up your dental hygiene routine and visit your Peoria, IL dentist, you can ward off or deal with any dental complications that might arise.
 
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