by Robert Rapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda is a leader when it comes to good dental care in the greater Boston area. He offers comprehensive general dentistry services aimed at total wellness. As it turns out, dental health and general wellness are more linked than many people think. It’s an especially important concern for patients who are having children.
How does dental health affect my general wellness during pregnancy?
It can affect general wellness a surprising amount.
A number of studies have been conducted that note a link between general wellness and the health of people’s gums. In general, women who are pregnant and suffer from gum disease run a higher risk of problems occurring during pregnancy or childbirth than women who have good dental health. The exact link between poor dental health and issues with general wellness are still being studied, though one thing is obvious: being in good overall health includes good dental health, and having good dental health can have some impact on your general wellness.
Dental Care Leading Into Pregnancy
If you are actively trying to become pregnant, it’s a good idea to meet with you physician and your dentist for checkups. This will allow you to have any major health issues or dental health issues treated before the pregnancy begins.
Dental Care Treatments During Pregnancy
During a woman’s pregnancy, regular dental checkups should be attended as scheduled. This will allow the patient to get her teeth cleaned and to ensure that are no potential dental health problems that ought to be treated.
During these visits, patients should discuss any medications or supplements that they are taking in conjunction with their pregnancy in case these have a bearing on overall dental health. Patients are also encouraged to voice any concerns that they may have related to pregnancy and wellness.
Avoiding X-rays and Major Dental Treatments
When a woman is pregnant, it is of the utmost importance that x-rays and major dental therapies are avoided. While the radiation exposure related to x-rays is minimal, this is just a common sense safety precaution to ensure that the developing child remains as healthy as possible.
The only time that major dental treatments or any dental x-rays will be taken is if a pregnant woman is facing a serious dental emergency. In such cases, all efforts will be taken in order to protect the wellness of the child.
Dental Care Treatments After Childbirth
After a woman has given birth, it’s back to business as usual during dental visits. X-rays can be taken again, and any treatments that were postponed can now be performed without any concern of serious harm to the child.
When to Bring Your Baby to the Dentist for the First Time
It’s ideal to bring your baby to the dentist for the first time within six months of the emergence of the first baby tooth. This will allow a dentist to determine the basic development of the child’s teeth and provide some helpful pointers to parents so they can ensure their baby’s smile is healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Learn More About Your General Dentistry Treatment Options
For more information about dental care treatments during pregnancy and leading into childbirth, it’s important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Rapisarda and his team look forward to your visit and helping you look and feel your very best.