Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Dental Care Important During Pregnancy

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Dental care is an important part of health care during pregnancy according to new recommendations issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The report said that not only are dental x-rays and cleanings safe during pregnancy, but obstetricians and gynecologists should encourage their patients to visit the dentist during their pregnancy.

Regular dental care before and during a pregnancy can improve the health of both the mother and the baby. According to the ACOG, 35% of women report that they haven't been to a dentist within the past year and about 40% of pregnant women have some form of gum disease or tooth decay.

The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can make a woman more susceptible to gum disease and oral health problems. Dr. Diana Cheng of the ACOG said "We can all reassure our patients that routine teeth cleanings, dental x-rays and local anesthesia are safe during pregnancy." She continued, "Pregnancy is not a reason to delay root canals or filling cavities if they are needed because putting off treatment may lead to further complications."

Improving the oral health of pregnant mothers may decrease the risk of transmitting oral bacteria from mother to baby.Because we know that oral bacteria travel throughout the body it is important to know that a recent systemic review concluded that pregnant women who are at high risk for pre-term birth and have gum disease may be able to lower their risk by getting scaling and root planing treatment.

Preventive Dentistry in Boca Raton

If you are expecting, or expect to be expecting, and have not visited the dentist recently, please contact Boca Raton cosmetic dentist Dr. Ken Mogell at 561-394-9000 today to schedule your next visit.

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