What Oral Problems Can Develop During Pregnancy?
By Joseph Shoop | Published on January 25, 2012 | 0 Comments
Women who take good care of their teeth throughout their pregnancies can expect to be rewarded with healthy, full-sized babies. According to Tulsa dentist Dr. Joseph Shoop of Shoop Family Dentistry, a woman should never put off her dental visits because of a pregnancy.
In fact, research is showing that many women would be smart to start visiting the dentist on an even more frequent basis for the duration of their nine-month pregnancies. Dr. Shoop is a dentist in Tulsa who recommends that all pregnant woman get checked for signs of periodontal disease or bleeding gums, even though there are some procedures that a dentist in Tulsa may hold off on until the pregnancy is through.
X-rays, for example, are something that Dr. Shoop typically holds off on when treating pregnant patients. The only instance in which Dr. Shoop would recommend taking an x-ray of a pregnant patient’s teeth is if a pressing oral issue had become apparent. The digital x-ray equipment that dentists use today emits such a low dose of radiation that it is usually not an issue to take images of pregnant patients. Nonetheless, Dr. Shoop still prefers avoiding it whenever possible.
Women who are pregnant may not realize that they are at an increased risk for gum disease. The human body has a harder time fighting off this condition during gestation, and as a result many women will notice an increase in the puffiness or redness of their gums. Some women will notice that their gums are more prone to bleeding during this time, as well.
As a dentist in Tulsa, Dr. Shoop believes that it is important to stay on top of periodontal disease during a woman’s pregnancy. Recent studies have shown that women with advanced gum disease during their pregnancies tended to have an increased rate of low birth weight babies. For this reason alone, Dr. Shoop says it is important for women to continue with regular dental check-ups and cleanings throughout the duration of their pregnancies.
On a daily basis, he also recommends that women stay on top of their oral health by practicing good hygiene at home. This means brushing after each meal and flossing at least once each day. Drinking plenty of water and potentially using a mouth rinse if necessary are a few other tips that the dentist shares. For even more information about scheduling dental appointments during pregnancy, Dr. Shoop recommends contacting his office directly.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.