Dental Care During Pregnancy – What You Should Know

Getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important to your dental health.

From the moment you find out that you’re pregnant to giving birth, you are busy with trips to the doctor, hospital tours, setting up the nursery, and much more. It’s an exciting time that can also seem overwhelming. There’s so much to do in a relatively short period of time.

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Christy H.

Always a great experience. Carrie does a wonderful job keeping my smile healthy and bright. Dr. Thoms is always very nice and professional. They make going to the dentist much less stressful!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback! We're so glad Carrie and Dr. Thoms have made your visits comfortable and enjoyable.

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I’ve had wonderful experiences at this dental office. The team is professional, the care is top-notch, and appointments run smoothly. I’ve never had to wait long in the waiting room. I highly recommend them!

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I love coming to the Dental CENTER , all the ladies are so nice and they keep you up to date. Dr. Belah is great and Carrie are so good. They do a great job.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you’ve had such a positive experience with our team. We’ll be sure to share your appreciation with Dr. Behl, Carrie, and the rest of the team!

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Robert B.

Dr. Hoffman is a friendly individual and readily answers can't questions you may have. His office staff are all friendly. One in particular,Meaghan, has learned to put up with the grumpy old guy from Illinois. I would recommend you give these people a try for your special needs relative.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad to hear you’ve felt welcomed and well cared for by Dr. Hoffman and our team. And we’ll be sure to let Meaghan know she’s doing a great job putting up with our “grumpy old guy from Illinois!”

One thing that should be on your to-do list is visiting the dentist. Getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important to your dental health. You can take care of teeth cleanings and procedures such as cavity fillings before your baby is born. Your dentist can also help you with any pregnancy-related dental symptoms you may be experiencing.

Dental Care While Pregnant

You must take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gum disease, which could affect your developing baby’s health.

There are several tips for maintaining good oral health while pregnant. Some of these tips include:

• Tell your dentist if you are pregnant – Even if you only suspect that you are pregnant, tell your dentist. Routine and urgent dental care can be done any time during pregnancy, but all elective dental procedures should be postponed until after your baby is born. Before your dental appointment, check with your obstetrician to see about any special instructions or restrictions. Be sure to communicate any important information with your dentist.
• Tell your dentist about medications and the dosages you’re taking – This includes prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor as well as any medical advice your doctor has given to you.
• Dental X-rays are safe – If you have to have an X-ray taken while pregnant, your dentist will use extreme care, such as shielding your abdomen and thyroid. Modern technology has made X-rays much safer.
• Don’t skip your teeth cleaning and routine exam – Having an exam during pregnancy is essential. Hormonal changes while pregnant can put you at higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis can also occur. This is a condition where a woman has tender gums that bleed more easily.
• Morning sickness can make it hard to brush your teeth – Many women have a hard time brushing their teeth while pregnant because they develop a more sensitive gag reflex. Or the taste of toothpaste may make them feel nauseous. Talk to your dentist or hygienist. They can recommend a toothpaste that may be easier for you to brush with.
• Rinse your mouth – If you experience a lot of morning sickness and often vomit, be sure to rinse your mouth with water. This will help wash away any bacteria.

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If you are pregnant, don’t skip your routine dental visit. Keeping your teeth healthy is an essential part of your overall health. Talk to your doctor and dentist if you have any concerns. Remember, a small issue can turn into a larger one that’s more involved to fix.