Dentists' Top Five Oral Health Care Tips During Pregnancy

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Article Date: 19 Feb 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The following is being issued by the Chicago Dental Society:

Who: The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) recently polled more than 300 dentists about issues such as their own dental habits, adults seeking braces, and how the current presidential candidates' smiles rate.

As we countdown to CDS's annual Midwinter Meeting, one of the largest displays of dental products in North America, here are a few of the leading tips for expectant mothers to maintain proper dental care during this special time:

-- Visit the dentist for a professional cleaning. Having your teeth cleaned early in your pregnancy may help prevent most gum problems. Be sure to tell the dentist that you're pregnant, or you suspect you might be. They'll be able to give you plenty of advice on how to take care of your teeth during this time.

-- Follow a healthy diet. By eating right, you can start caring for your baby's teeth as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Your baby's teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it is important that you receive sufficient amounts of nutrients -- especially calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D. Limit sweets and carbs to avoid cavities!

-- Postpone certain dental procedures until the second trimester. Dental work such as cavity fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. But if dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal. Once you reach the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time. Ask your dentist if routine x-rays, usually taken during annual exams, can be postponed until after the birth.

Why: Data was collected for the Chicago Dental Society's 143rd annual Midwinter Meeting, which begins at McCormick Place in Chicago on February 21, 2008. The exhibit floor opens on February 22.

Chicago Dental Society
http://www.cds.org