Regular Dental X-Rays are Important for Everyone, Including Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is an exciting and busy time.
Between doctor’s visits, hospital tours, and gathering supplies for when your baby arrives, your teeth may be the last thing on your mind.
However, the surging hormones in your body can affect the natural response to plaque, which can in turn affect your developing baby. It’s crucial to take extra special care of all areas of your health during pregnancy, and that includes your oral health.
Do I Need to Make Any Changes in My Oral Healthcare?
If you are brushing twice a day and flossing daily, keep up the good work. It Is also important to keep up with regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays.
X-rays are important because they allow us to see issues that we may not be able to see in a normal cleaning. Keep reading to learn why X-rays are crucial during a pregnancy.
Oral X-Rays Are Safe for Pregnant Women
While you may have heard that radiation from dental X-rays can harm your baby, this isn’t true. Thanks to the digitization of X-rays, the amount of radiation is significantly reduced. Your dentist will cover you with a protective apron to make sure that your body is protected from the already minimal radiation.
Changes in Your Body Can Put You at Greater Risk for Decay
Dietary Changes: It’s normal and healthy for women to change their diets during pregnancy. While eating more carbohydrates is necessary to keep your strength up, it can have a negative impact on your teeth.
Morning Sickness: Despite its namesake, morning sickness can occur at any time of day. This exposes your teeth to stomach acid, which can eat away at your enamel over time.
Brushing Can Fall to the Wayside: Pregnant women tend to have a heightened gag reflex, tender gums, and exhaustion. While it’s best to keep up with healthy oral hygiene habits, we understand that changes in your body make regular brushing and flossing less than appealing at the end of the day.
Pregnancy Gingivitis: Thanks to hormonal changes, pregnant women are particularly prone to gingivitis. This can result in swollen, painful gums and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious gum disease.
Due to these changes, your dentist may recommend that you make more frequent visits to the office for cleanings for the duration of your pregnancy.
A Proactive Approach is Important
X-rays allow us to see what’s brewing beyond what the naked eye can see. This allows us to take preventative action before problems become more serious.
While routine procedures, like cavity fillings and crowns, are safe at any time during a pregnancy, you will be much more comfortable getting these procedures out of the way as early along as possible.
On behalf of all of us at Highlands Ranch Dental Group, we wish you a healthy and happy pregnancy.