Nah, the dentist won’t check on the baby’s size or measure the circumference of your belly. He will check on your teeth and gums. Your hormones can go a wee bit berserk during pregnancy. Hormonal changes not only cause the tears to come out sooner or your temper to shorten, they can also cause red, puffy gums that may bleed when you brush. Not a very pretty picture, is it?
But more than taking a pretty picture, making sure you’re plaque-free and in good dental health is important most especially during pregnancy because it can affect your baby. I read that bad dental health (e.g. getting gum disease) might cause pre-term delivery. That’s a big uh-uh, right?
And so I went to the dentist when I was 5 months pregnant. I think the second trimester is a great period to go see the tooth doctor. In my case, I had gotten over the queasiness of the first trimester and had my strength and energy back. I consulted with my OB first to get his expert “OK!”. For as long as it’s nothing invasive (like a root canal) and there are no X-rays (bad for the baby!), a dental visit is fine.
Good thing I went because I was already beginning to have gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Pregnancy did make my gums more sensitive after all. Eek. Within an hour, my teeth and gums were clean and happy. I also felt more assured about my dental health.
But it doesn’t stop with the dentist, okay? Brush, brush, brush your teeth and floss, floss, floss. Lay off those sweets. Whether you’re pregnant or not, you have got to watch out for your dental health anyway. But when you’re carrying baby in your belly, you just have to care for your teeth and gums a little bit more.
So go bring that belly to the dentist. After all, a healthy, happy Mommy smile makes for a healthy, happy baby! 
Image credit: dawe2k5
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
kreez
June 18, 2009 at 3:38 pm (15 years ago)Yeah, i have read something about dental problems and pre-term delivery. Kaya from then on mas lalo pa akong naging conscious sa pagbbrush, at mas consistent na ako sa pag gamit nung maliliit na toothbrush for in between the teeth at gurgle ng mouthwash. Better safe than sorry.
Ang cute naman ng Tee!
kreezs last blog post..What’s in a name
lady cess
June 18, 2009 at 3:58 pm (15 years ago)glad to know your teeth and gums are ok. this reminds me i haven’t seen my dentist in a while, hehehe! but i will as soon as the baby’s out. lapit naman na
lady cesss last blog post..Pregnant and Malling
gene
June 18, 2009 at 8:02 pm (15 years ago)I totally forgot about the dentist visit. I’ve been planning to look for one in Marikina. My previous dentist is in Makati at ang layo na masyado.
Did your OB prescribe some calcium vits? Beneficial for you and Timmy. But if you drink milk everyday, I don’t think you’ll be needing the calcium supplements. I didn’t like milk when I was pregnant kasi.
genes last blog post..Una’s 5th month
lleng
June 19, 2009 at 10:49 am (15 years ago)im glad to know that your ok.i had experienced din kasi of a dental problem when im carrying my first baby.
i ask naman the expert opinion of my OB.i am told na pde nga daw mag pa clean ng teeth.in my case, with root canal pa.
your post reminds me to visit my dentist.i haven’t seen her for awhile.
llengs last blog post..Today
Joseph44
June 20, 2009 at 12:50 am (15 years ago)Yes, it’s true. Proper dental care is extemely important during pregnancy. Sometimes moms-to-be that don’t have dental insurance put off visiting the dentist due to the costs involved, but that shouldn’t be the case. Here’s a great article on this subject: http://www.dentalplans.com/articles/37089/a-healthy-pregnancy-should-include-a-trip-to-the-dentist.html
My best tip is to save on your dental care with http://www.DentalPlans.com! They offer many affordable dental insurance plans in one convenient site. DentalPlans.com has over 30 plans to choose from. These dental plans are for individual and families and are very affordable – $79.95 PER YEAR and up.
My family discount dental plan is saving us about $800 on my daughter’s braces. Plus, we get free cleanings and x-rays twice a year.
Anyways, I just wanted to share my story. It’s still possible to save even if you don’t have dental insurance!
Justice
June 22, 2009 at 11:55 am (15 years ago)when i worked at a dental clinic before, i was at first surprised to see preggy women there for appointments–i was still in old school mode that it was not safe hehe but of course yon nga, check-ups are actually beneficial to avoid bigger problems.
Justices last blog post..Keanu-Nanu Time
Virginia Dentists
July 8, 2009 at 6:10 am (15 years ago)Wow, I had no idea that you have to go to the dentist when pregnant. Obviously not literally checking the baby’s teeth but still, I was not informed that you have to make this check too. Thank you.
Dental
December 29, 2021 at 3:04 pm (2 years ago)I’m happy to hear that you’re ok.i was a victim of a dental issue when I was carrying my first baby.i seek the opinion of an expert OB.i was told that pde to clean teeth. teeth.in my case, it was due to the root canal, it was.
PaintNumbers
January 20, 2022 at 1:37 am (2 years ago)He will check on your teeth and gums. Your hormones can go a wee bit berserk during pregnancy. Hormonal changes not only cause the tears to come out sooner or your temper to shorten, they can also cause red, puffy gums that may bleed when you brush.
Anthony
February 7, 2022 at 1:17 am (2 years ago)He will examine your teeth and gums. Your hormones can be a little fearless during pregnancy. Hormonal changes not only cause tears to come out quickly or reduce your anger, but they can also cause red, swollen gums that can bleed when you brush. At first, I was surprised to see Pregie women there for an appointment – I was still in old school mode that it wasn’t safe but of course, checkups are really useful to avoid big problems.
Sophia David
September 24, 2022 at 1:32 pm (2 years ago)If you’re looking for full-service family dentistry in Plano, then Chase Oaks Dentistry is the right choice for you! Visit the site for Root Canal Plano
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November 26, 2022 at 2:37 pm (1 year ago)If you are looking for Dentist near Plano, Chase Oaks Family Dentistry can take care of your all tooth related issues. To get in touch, you can visit the site.
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Sophia David
December 26, 2022 at 2:59 pm (1 year ago)Thanks for sharing. If you’re looking for Dentist near Plano, then you can visit Chase Oaks Family Dentistry.
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December 4, 2023 at 10:05 pm (4 months ago)I’m relieved to know you’re okay. I faced a dental challenge during my first pregnancy, consulting an OB expert who attributed it to poor dental hygiene. In my situation, a root canal was the cause. It’s crucial to prioritize oral health during pregnancy to avoid such issues. Take care of yourself and stay well.Dentistry For Children
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