Do you have a bundle of joy on the way? Congratulations! We’re so very happy for you!
I’m Dr. Peter Pate, a restorative and cosmetic family dentist in Buckhead Atlanta, GA. During pregnancy, women visit their OBGYN regularly. But what about the dentist? Only 22 to 34% of women visit the dentist during pregnancy, and only half visit the dentist if they have an oral health problem.
It’s important that you understand, oral health has a great impact on overall health and the health of your baby. The American Academy of Family Physicians released these facts about pregnancy and oral health. Take a look. An informed patient is a wise patient! Besides, aren’t parents supposed to know everything?
- Gum disease, or periodontitis, can contribute to a low birth weight.
- A deep hygiene cleaning, with scaling and root planing, on pregnant women with gum disease can reduce the potential for low-weight birth.
- In the third trimester, treating tooth decay with a topical antibacterial reduces the oral bacteria level in the pregnant mother. It also lowers the risk of transmitting bacteria to the baby. (more…)
