Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women. There are a lot of things to do during this period in order to prepare for childbirth. While your doctor's appointments may take up a lot of your time, it's important to not ignore your oral health during pregnancy. Trips to the dentist are a must while you are pregnant. Dental services during pregnancy play an important role in your overall health during this time; dental cleanings in particular are especially important. Here are three things that you should know about dental cleanings during pregnancy:
Timing Is Important
The first thing that you should be aware of when it comes to dental services during pregnancy is that timing is important. If you are planning on getting pregnant, it's a good idea to schedule a dental cleaning and exam before conceiving. If you need any major dental work or have any dental problems, it's best to address them before getting pregnant. After becoming pregnant, the second trimester is the ideal time for any cleanings or dental work that needs to be done. However, if there is a dental emergency or any other problems, it's best to address them immediately no matter what stage your pregnancy is in.
Gingivitis May Be A Problem
Regular dental exams and dental cleanings are a must during pregnancy. One of the reasons why this is the case is that certain issues may become more likely during this time. Your chances of gingivitis in particular go up while you are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can make you more susceptible to gingivitis; in fact, nearly 40 percent of women develop gingivitis during pregnancy. Keeping up with your dental cleanings during this time can help keep this issue under control.
Costs
During pregnancy it may be tempting to skip out on a visit to the dentist, especially if you have a lot of medical costs during this time. However, it's important to note that dental cleanings are often very affordable especially if you have dental insurance. Keeping up with regular cleanings can also prevent major issues down the line that may end up costing you more. On average the cost of a dental cleaning ranges from $75 to $200 without insurance; if you have dental insurance, cleanings are often either free or low-cost.
Keeping up with dental appointments and cleanings during pregnancy is key. Before getting pregnant, a checkup and cleaning are recommended. During pregnancy, the second trimester is the best for any dental work or cleanings that need to be done. Women who are pregnant are also more likely to develop gingivitis; it's important to keep this in mind during your pregnancy. Dental cleanings are also typically available at affordable prices.
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