The importance of seeing our dentist at Byfleet Dental during pregnancy
So you’ve just discovered that either you or your partner are expecting a baby.
The next few months are likely to be jammed packed with medical trips, planning baby showers and getting everything you need for the day when your new family member arrives.
But it is unlikely that you have considered the importance of having a healthy set of teeth and gums during those all-important 9 months.
Indeed, studies have found that mothers who maintain better oral health during pregnancy are less likely to give birth prematurely, the babies often have a higher birth weight and are generally healthier.
So, if you are pregnant and need a check-up, come along and see our team at Byfleet Dental. Our dentist in West Byfleet will ensure that all of your prenatal dental needs are seen to, so you can relax and wait for your new baby to arrive. Perfect!
But what are some of the dental issues that have been linked to pregnancy?
Acid erosion
Unless you are exceedingly lucky, during the first 3-6 months of your pregnancy, you will experience morning sickness.
And, unfortunately, with all that stomach acid coming into contact with your teeth, they may possibly succumb to acid erosion. Our dentist in West Byfleet can ensure that your teeth remain protected against any further erosion by applying a fluoride sealant to the enamel. Like clear nail varnish, this protects the surface of the tooth and strengths it, without changing the appearance.
Tooth decay
Pregnancy cravings and lethargy can lead to some rather unusual bacteria growth on your teeth and this can lead to dental decay. Also, with the hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy, your teeth could possibly be weakened.
Once again, our dentist in West Byfleet can apply a fluoride sealant to your teeth, which will strengthen the tooth against decay. We may also suggest a targeted mouthwash, which neutralises acids and prevents cavities from forming.
Pregnancy gingivitis
During pregnancy, the immune system can become a bit over-responsive and may cause you to suffer from an inflammatory condition called pregnancy gingivitis.
Characterised by bleeding and swelling of the gums, this can be alleviated by our team using specialised cleans, toothpaste and mouthwashes, but can also be helped by attending appointments with our hygienist.
Granulomas
A rather alarming, but usually harmless occurrence which can accompany pregnancy is the formation of lumps on the gums.
Called pregnancy granulomas, these are typically left alone by our team at Byfleet Dental, but if you have a granuloma that begins to hurt or is impacting on your ability to eat, we will resolve to remove it. Don’t worry! The removal will require nothing more than a localised numbing agent and maybe some stitching.
Plaque removal
Excess levels of plaque equate to inflammation and decay. And, unfortunately, during pregnancy, plaque has a higher chance of developing under the gum line and causing such issues. Our team at Byfleet Dental will ensure that any concealed plaque is removed to keep your mouth healthy.