Pregnant Women Should Talk with Dentist for Proper Oral Care

Online, May 28, 2010 (Newswire.com) - (Rapid City, S.D.) - From preparing the nursery to taking prenatal vitamins, expectant mothers have a million things to worry about. While most pregnant women regularly consult a physician for advice on healthy pregnancies, women should also consult with a dentist.

"Pregnant women are given a lot of health information, and it can be overwhelming," said Dr. Anh Harper, a dentist at Ray Dental Group in Rapid City, SD. "But prenatal dental care is essential for the health of the mother and her developing child."

Due to fluctuating hormones, pregnant women may experience increased gum sensitivity and tooth decay. Without proper dental care, this can lead to more serious conditions like pregnancy gingivitis or pregnancy tumors.

Caused by a buildup of excess plaque, pregnancy gingivitis may result in swollen, red, tender gums that may bleed. If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can cause low birth weight and premature birth. To avoid this condition, talk with a dentist and schedule more frequent cleanings.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are encouraged to continue receiving regular dental checkups, to ensure the overall wellbeing of both mother and baby.

"There is some misinformation out there leading women to believe it's unsafe to receive dental treatments while pregnant," said Dr. Harper. "This is untrue. Your dentist will take any safety precautions necessary, and it's incredibly important to maintain your oral health during and after pregnancy."