How our family dental team can help you during pregnancy
Dental care during pregnancy is important for both the mother and the baby. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of health problems for both parties, including gingivitis, preterm labour, and low birth weight. Pregnant women should be sure to visit their dental team regularly for cleanings and checkups to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy.
Our team at Brisbane Laser Dentist are always happy to offer care at our family dental Coorparoo, including the care of pregnant mothers, babies, toddlers and beyond. We are proud of the service we can offer relating to prenatal dental care, and will always work to ensure that you and your baby remain healthy through your pregnancy and in the postnatal period.
So, what are some of the complications that our family dental Coorparoo team have seen in women who are expecting?
Gum disease
Pregnant women are at a higher risk for developing gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications. But this is easily treated by our family dental Coorparoo team. You will need to see our dentist regularly during your pregnancy, as we can help assess the risk for gum disease and provide preventive treatment. If gum disease is left untreated, it can progress and cause serious health problems for both the mother and the baby. We can offer a scale and polish to help prevent plaque, and will also be happy to offer you mouthwash to help remove bacteria.
Tooth decay
Alongside gum disease, pregnant women are also at a higher risk of tooth decay, due in part to hormonal fluctuations. If left unchecked, this can lead to dental abscesses, which can become very complicated. So, to keep decay at bay, use a high fluoride toothpaste when you are pregnant, floss twice a day and of course, see our team regularly.
Dental erosion
Morning sickness is a big issue for many pregnant women and, unfortunately, it can cause enamel erosion. This can in turn lead to a higher risk of cavities and dental sensitivity.
If you are experiencing dental erosion, our team will be able to protect your teeth using fluoride sealants, which will naturally wear off as the pregnancy progresses.
Pregnancy granulomas
Many women in the later stages of their pregnancy will experience pregnancy granulomas.
These are, in essence, benign growths which can form on the roof of the mouth, the tonsils or on the gums and are due to excess levels of progesterone in the body.
They are harmless but can cause issues with eating and breathing. So, if you have these and want them removed, we can offer this service. You will be glad to know that once your baby is born, this issue resolves itself.
Calcium issues
Calcium is important for the health of your jaw and your teeth. But when you are pregnant, all of your calcium reserves are going to your baby, which can cause your jaw and teeth to weaken, and may even lead to tooth loss.
While this will need to be supplemented with medicine from a doctor, we can help restore lost teeth with splints, fitted bridges or even oral implants.
DISCLAIMER
All treatments carry risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.