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Our dental team often hears the old wives’ tale: “Gain a child, lose a tooth.” There is a persistent myth that a developing baby takes calcium directly from the mother’s teeth. This is scientifically incorrect, but the grain of truth behind the myth is that pregnancy does put your teeth under unique stress.
How does pregnancy really affect oral health and what can you do to care for your smile?
Our team at Dr. Mark Richardson Dental shares what you need to know.
The Truth About Calcium and Teeth
If your body needs more calcium for your baby’s development, it will pull it from your bones, not your teeth. Your tooth enamel is a stable, hardened structure that does not share minerals with the rest of your body once it is formed. However, changes in your diet, a decrease in saliva flow (dry mouth), and inflamed gums can make it seem like your teeth are becoming weaker.
The Second Trimester Dental Care Window
While routine care is safe at any time, we typically schedule elective procedures (like fillings or crowns) during the second trimester. By this stage, morning sickness has usually subsided, and you aren’t yet at the point where sitting in a dental chair for an hour is physically uncomfortable.
Dental cleanings and restorative treatments can help keep your smile as healthy and strong as possible throughout pregnancy.
Post-Pregnancy Follow-up Care
After your baby arrives, it is easy to put your own health on the back burner. However, the hormonal changes that increase the risk of gingivitis during pregnancy don’t disappear overnight. A post-natal dental check-up helps ensure that your gums return to their healthy, non-inflamed state. We can catch and treat any early decay before it becomes a cavity.
Read More: Preventing Gum Disease: What You Need to Know
Pregnancy-Friendly Dental Care in London, ON
Invest in your dental wellbeing by visiting Dr. Mark Richardson for dental care during pregnancy. We understand the unique challenges that your smile faces throughout pregnancy, and offer the care you need to mitigate them.
Contact us today to schedule your next dental hygiene appointment with our professional dentist in London!
