Expecting mothers have a lot to deal with. In addition to a slew of physical and hormonal changes, there’s the never-ending onslaught of new information and advice about pregnancy. From what to expect, what to avoid, what to embrace; it’s information overload. While everyone has an opinion, distinguishing fact from fiction can be tricky at best. One common misconception concerns pregnancy and dental care. Here’s what you need to know:

Visiting the dentist during pregnancy is totally safe. Despite what you may have heard, pregnant women can safely visit their dentist for routine services such as check-ups, cleanings, X-rays and more. It’s best to put off elective procedures until after giving birth, but standard dental care is recommended. Research shows that even dental work with light anesthetics—something that wouldn’t be used during a check-up or basic cleaning—didn’t pose a significant risk to newborns. The key is to let your dentist and hygienist know you’re expecting so that they can give you the best possible care.

It’s also pretty important. Expecting moms are encouraged to go to the dentist. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause an increased risk for gum disease. These changes can also impact fetal development. Gums that swell and bleed may more easily trap food, causing additional problems. To avoid periodontal disease and gingivitis, it’s best to have the dentist carefully examine the teeth and gums during the second trimester.

Your baby benefits from good oral health, too. According to an article on WebMD.com, babies first begin to develop their teeth three months into the pregnancy. Not only will eating healthy, balanced meals (read: ones that limit sugary snacks) help you avoid dental problems and tooth decay, it will also benefit your baby during development. Incorporating dairy products into your diet will give your child access to essential minerals and nutrients that can help her grow stronger bones and teeth.

With so many opportunities for misinformation, it’s easy to be unsure about how dental procedures will impact your baby. These three points prove that maintaining dental health during pregnancy is beneficial. For the latest and best information about your specific needs, come see us at Tigard Tendercare Dental! We can help you determine what procedures to schedule now, what can wait and best practices for maintaining good dental health throughout each trimester and beyond.