If you are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future, you probably have a long lists of things to do to prepare for your pregnancy. You will need to buy a crib, decorate a nursery and figure out childcare, if you are a working professional. You may also need to make some important lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight or limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine. All these things are important to increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy. Is visiting the dentist on your list? If not, it should be. If you are planning on becoming pregnant in the future, it is a good idea to visit the dentist for a routine dental checkup now, before you actually become pregnant. This will give your dentist the opportunity to diagnose and treat any dental health issues such as tooth decay, gum recession and periodontal disease, before you become pregnant. This way, if anesthesia is required for your procedure, you do not have to worry about exposing your unborn child to it. Additionally, some individuals experience anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist for dental procedures. Due to the harmful affects of stress on the body, it is important to minimize stress and anxiety as much as possible during pregnancy.
The other reason that it is important to visit the dentist before you become pregnant is because the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy can make you more susceptible to periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of plaque, getting regular professional dental cleanings is important to prevent this serious condition. Once you do become pregnant, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings and checkups to prevent periodontal disease.
If you have questions about pregnancy and your dental health, talk to your dentist today. If it has been over six months since you last visited the dentist and you are planning on becoming pregnant in the future, visit your dentist today for a routine dental checkup.
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