Many expectant moms wonder if it’s safe to see the dentist when pregnant. Routine dental cleanings and exams are not only safe, they are recommended to help prevent gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease may affect the health of your baby. The right preventive care can help reduce dental problems that may come with pregnancy.
Make sure you have a dental plan to help cover checkups.
How pregnancy affects your mouth
When you’re pregnant, your hormone levels rise. This can cause your gums to swell and bleed. If left untreated, this irritation can lead to gum disease, which has been linked to pre-term and low birth weight babies.* That’s why it’s so important to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy while you’re pregnant.
Treatment tips for a healthy mouth during pregnancy
Follow these tips to keep your mouth healthy while you’re pregnant:
- Talk with your dentist. Talk with your dentist as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Your dentist will help you plan for dental care throughout your pregnancy.
- Get your teeth cleaned. Dental cleanings are safe during pregnancy and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Brush and floss. Good daily care helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss every day.
- Postpone X-rays. Dental X-rays may be safe during pregnancy, but talk with your dentist about postponing them until your baby is born. If you do need an X-ray as part of urgent treatment, your dentist will take extra steps to protect you and your baby.
- Delay dental treatment to the second trimester. Schedule treatments that require anesthesia, like fillings, crowns or root canals, in the second trimester when it will be safer for your baby. These treatments may also be uncomfortable in the third trimester when it may be difficult to lie on your back.
- Hold off on elective procedures. Save teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments until after your baby is born.
- Protect your teeth from morning sickness. If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to keep stomach acids from attacking your teeth.
- Snack smart. Choose healthy foods like vegetables, yogurt or cheese. Try to resist the urge to snack too often. Frequent snacking can lead to tooth decay caused by plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth.
Blue Cross Dental plans
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota makes it easy to protect your oral health. We offer a range of dental plans to fit your needs and budget.
All Blue Cross Dental plans cover preventive care, including routine exams, X-rays and cleanings. Depending on the coverage you choose, your plan may also help pay for fillings, crowns and other services.
As a Blue Cross Dental member, you’ll have easy access to dental care with one of the largest dental networks in the nation. Nine out of 10 dentists in the network also offer discounts on services your plan doesn’t cover, including services you receive after you reach your yearly maximum benefit.
Anyone can enroll in a Blue Cross Dental plan, even if you don’t have Blue Cross health insurance or are on Medicare. Blue Cross Dental plans are an affordable and easy way to get proper dental care for you and your family.