Are you pregnant or is there a chance you may be? It is very important to let your dentist or dental hygienist know if you are expecting. The hormones circulating in your body can affect your gums making it more likely for them to be swollen, red and bleed easily due to plaque buildup. This increases your chances of gum infections such as gingivitis (pregnancy gingivitis) or periodontal disease.
It is very important to visit your dental hygienist for cleanings every 4 months to prevent and/or monitor gum infection, otherwise known as, “pregnancy gingivitis.” Ways to prevent pregnancy gingivitis are brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day or after each meal and flossing nightly. If you are suffering from morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water as often as possible to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting and eat healthy food with plenty of vitamin B12 and C.
Most often, unless there is a dental emergency, dental x-rays and treatment such as fillings are delayed until post-partum.