Expectant moms need dental care to keep babies and themselves healthy. Virginia Beach family dentist, Dr. Carol Morgan, tells you why.

Congratulations on becoming a mom! This important time in your life is marked by big physiological changes. Learn from Virginia Beach family dentist, Dr. Carol Morgan, why dental care is vital to you and your little one throughout the 9 months of pregnancy.

Why dental care is important for mom and baby

It goes without saying that a woman’s body is very different different during pregnancy. After all, you  shelter and grow a new life.

But, did you know that dentistry plays a critical role in prenatal care?  It’s true. Mom must care for her teeth and gums diligently during pregnancy, just as she does before conception and during postpartum.

Why? Simply this. Cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues develop just as easily during pregnancy as they do when you’re not pregnant. In fact, your Virginia Beach dentist recommends you keep your routine appointment for exams and cleanings because pregnant women are:

• more prone to mild gum disease, or gingivitis, in which the gums swell, bleed and become tender
• more prone to plaque build-up, the biofilm which leads to gum disease, decay and tooth loss
• susceptible to non-cancerous oral tumors peculiar to pregnancy

Unfortunately, while pregnancy hormones, particularly the prostaglandins circulating before and during labor, are necessary, they are linked to gum disease. Furthermore, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, gum disease and its associated bacteria, are a root cause of low birth weight infants and other prenatal and birth complications. So, check-ups and hygienic cleanings keep mom’s teeth and gums healthy and improve baby’s chance at a good start.

Do’s and Don’ts of dentistry during pregnancy

As Dr. Morgan, Virginia Beach’s best family dentist, advises, do keep your regular appointments. Do get restorative treatments as recommended. Do brush twice a day and floss daily. Do drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and to increase saliva production. Do take your prenatal vitamins, and eat a tooth-friendly diet rich in Vitamins C, D and B12 and in calcium.

Don’t give in to sugar cravings as they are bad for your teeth, your weight and your baby. Don’t get elective dental services such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. They can wait until after your baby is born and you finished with breast-feeding. Don’t get any x-rays unless you have a dental emergency such as an abscess or injury to the mouth.

Your and your baby are in good hands

The professional staff at Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is passionate about great oral health for the entire family. You can trust the expertise of Dr. Morgan and her desire to give all her patients the best of care throughout every stage of life.

Contact the office today for your routine check-up and cleaning. If you’re new to the practice, ask about the new patient special.