Dental Health During Pregnancy

Being pregnant can be one of the most exciting times of your life. But it’s also common to have a lot of questions. What should you eat? What should you drink? What you should do and not do? When it comes to dental health during pregnancy, your dentist in Rocky Mount has some advice. 

Keep Preventive Appointments

It’s not only important to keep your preventive dental appointments, but it’s also recommended. Dental checkups and cleanings can help keep your mouth healthy during pregnancy, which does affect oral health. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about dental health during pregnancy. 

• Are Dental X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy? 

Dental x-rays are usually taken once a year to monitor oral health below the surface and beyond what your dentist in Rocky Mount can see with the naked eye. But all women are familiar with the question prior to having x-rays taken, “Are you pregnant or is there a chance you could be pregnant?” This question can make you wonder if x-rays are safe to take during pregnancy. The good news is that the American Dental Association says that dental x-rays during pregnancy are safe as long as appropriate shielding is used. Make sure you talk with your dental team prior to taking x-rays so they know you’re pregnant. 

• Are Bleeding Gums a Cause for Concern? 

A good rule of thumb to follow is that if your gums are bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Rocky Mount. This goes for both pregnant women and all patients. However, if you usually have great oral health and all of a sudden experience gum swelling or bleeding while you’re pregnant, you should see your dentist. In fact, the American Dental Association says that as many as 50 percent of pregnant women can develop “pregnancy gingivitis,” which usually shows itself through bleeding gums. The good news is that it usually goes away after birth.

• How Does Morning Sickness Affect Oral Health? 

Vomiting during pregnancy is very common, and it usually happens early on. While you may not be thinking about your oral health during this uncomfortable time, you should keep it in the back of your mind. When we vomit, stomach acid can wear away tooth enamel and leave teeth at an increased risk of decay. But don’t worry, you can help protect those pearly whites no matter how often you get sick by: 

• Rinsing your mouth out with water after vomiting
• Drinking plenty of water
• Brushing your teeth – but wait an hour after getting sick
• Scraping your tongue to remove acid

If you’re pregnant and worried about dental care, we’re here to help. Contact our dental office in Rocky Mount. We’re always happy to help! 

About The Author

Dr. Richard Hunt

Dr. Richard Hunt has served as president of the NC Dental Society and the Dental Foundation of NC. He is the director and past chair of the LD Pankey Foundation and former chair of the Dental Assisting National Board. Dr. Hunt regularly teaches at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. An active member of the American Dental Association, he has represented his peers from NC, SC, and VA on the ADA’s Council on Dental Practice.

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