Greenville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Informs Patients of Changes in Oral Health During Pregnancy

GREENVILLE, Texas - Sept. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- Dr. Christopher Emuedue, DMD
Greenville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
(903) 455-6701
www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com

Dr. Christopher Emuedue, DMD of Greenville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Greenville, TX Informs Patients of Changes in Oral Health and Dentistry During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are a lot of hormonal changes that the body goes through. In addition, safety precautions should be taken to ensure the health of the baby. Dr. Christopher Emuedue, DMD of Greenville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Greenville, TX wishes to inform all expecting mothers of the changes that happen in the mouth during pregnancy, as well as what precautions should be taken during dental procedures.

During pregnancy, the hormone changes can make your gums more sensitive to plaque. This means that they may swell up, become irritated, and bleed. This is commonly referred to as “pregnancy gingivitis”. While this condition should clear up after the baby is born, if gingivitis is left untreated, it could lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is more difficult to clear up and in worst case scenarios can cause the loss of teeth. More frequent brushing and cleanings by your dentist can decrease the risk of pregnancy gingivitis; which brings us to a new topic. What dental work is safe during pregnancy, and which procedures should be avoided?

Dental cleanings and examinations are important to ensure a healthy mouth. Cavity fillings are also okay to treat, as minimizing infection is important for both mother and baby. However, the safest route is to postpone all other unnecessary dental work until after the baby is born. Cosmetic procedures and other dental work that can wait should wait. In the case of an emergency, if the treatment is necessary, it is best to go through with it to avoid infection or other risks to the mother or baby. Making the mother comfortable is the best way to provide a stress-free procedure.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the future, it is important to know the role of good oral health. Make sure to mention to Dr. Emuedue that you are pregnant when coming in for a visit. For questions, contact Dr. Christopher Emuedue, DMD of Greenville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Greenville, TX. Dr. Emuedue can be reached at (903) 455-6701 or through his website, www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com.