Prenatal Care, Don’t Forget Your Mouth

prenatal care dont forget your mouthMiami and Coral Gables, FL

One of the most important aspects of prenatal care is to practice good oral hygiene. Did you know that your dental health directly impacts the health of your unborn baby? Studies have linked poor oral health to causing pre-term births and low birth weight. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant here is what you need to know to protect the health of yourself and your unborn baby.

Oral health and pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many hormonal changes, and these changes affect your oral health. Some expectant mothers experience more dental issues such as cavities and receding gums during pregnancy than they did before conception. In fact, “pregnancy gingivitis” is common among many mothers-to-be, which is why practicing good oral hygiene habits is even more important to keep gum disease at bay.

How oral health affects your baby

Each year, approximately 250,000 premature births occur, and of that amount, nearly 19 percent are born too early because of gum disease in the mother. That amount is more than alcohol and smoking use combined! Oral health should continue long after your baby is born. Mothers with poor oral health can spread harmful bacteria to their baby by sharing eating utensils. So, continue with a good oral hygiene regime even after your baby is born. Better yet, begin instilling these habits in your child as soon as their first tooth erupts.

What can I do to protect my oral health and my baby?

To safeguard your health and that of your unborn baby, be sure to brush and floss daily. Regular dental visits for cleanings and exams should occur once every six months, and pay particular attention to your gums, should you experience swelling, tenderness, or bleeding, which could be an early warning sign of gum disease. Be sure to see the dentist if you experience any changes in your oral health between visits. Also, if you are a high-risk pregnancy or are taking any medications, make the dentist aware of these facts.

At Miami Designer Smiles, your oral health and the health of your baby are important to us. To schedule an appointment, please contact Miami Designer Smiles today at (305) 595-4616. We welcome patients in Coral Gables and Miami, Florida.