Yes!

It is a myth that you shouldn’t see the dentist during pregnancy. In fact, it is more important during this time.

When you are pregnant, it is important to keep yourself healthy. The change in hormones during pregnancy affect your gums and you may have noticed more bleeding when you brush your teeth. This increases the likelihood of gum infections, which can cause you to feel unwell.

You may notice yourself eating more frequently and probably more junk food. My wife had pretty bad morning sickness (all day sickness really!), and stomach acids can weaken your teeth too. These increase the possibility of developing tooth decay.

With my first child, my wife fainted in the local shopping centre and chipped off a third of her front tooth. She said she was more worried about causing the scene than her accident. Luckily it didn’t reach the nerve and I could restore her beauty without needing a root canal. At times like these, you should definitely see a dentist!

When you do see your dentist, let them know you are pregnant, as it may not be obvious. The dentist will pay extra attention to details associated with pregnancy. If it is uncomfortable to lie down fully, treatment can still be done in a less reclined position.

In addition to seeing a dentist while you are pregnant, see a dentist before your pregnancy for a thorough examination and have any problems treated. I have had the unfortunate experience of needing to remove 2 badly decayed teeth in a pregnant woman once.

A good foundation of health for you and your baby is a great start for the rest of your lives together!

Have you been to your dentist while pregnant? Share your experiences in the comments.