by Erin Page, DDS
Maintain good oral health during pregnancy…
Pregnancy is an exciting time full of anticipation as parents prepare for the arrival of their baby. As a dentist and a mother of two young children, I’m often asked by expecting moms how their dental care affects their developing baby. Not surprisingly, it is important that expecting mothers maintain good oral health. With hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, pregnant women with poor dental hygiene are prone to pregnancy gingivitis. Expecting moms should continue to visit their dentist for their six-month cleaning and exam. With proper precautions, routine dental treatment is also safe during pregnancy. Anesthesia containing epinephrine can be used in low doses (0.01 mg) when not injected directly into the bloodstream.
Don’t let dental issues go untreated…
Ideally, dental issues should be addressed prior to pregnancy to avoid dental infections that could be harmful to the expecting mother and baby. If a dental infection occurs during pregnancy, it should not go untreated – amoxicillin, clindamycin, or penicillin can be prescribed to pregnant women to treat dental infections. On the other hand, certain medications should never be used during pregnancy, including sedatives for dental anxiety or anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management, because they can lead to serious complications and/or birth defects.
New moms should continue good oral health practices as their babies’ teeth begin to erupt, since primary care givers are often the source of young children’s cavity causing bacteria. Contrary to the sometimes popular belief among parents that cavities in “baby teeth” don’t matter, childhood cavities left untreated can cause cavities in permanent teeth as well as eating difficulties, disrupted sleep, and decreased play. Visit your dentist or pediatric dentist for recommendations on developing good oral habits for your baby. Also consider bringing your two-year old with you to your next hygiene appointment to acclimate them to the office and dental chair.
Dr. Page welcomes speaking with expecting parents about oral health as they prepare for the arrival of their new baby. She can be contacted at (518) 374-0317 or ErinPageDDS@gmail.com.