Orthodontics During Pregnancy O’Fallon, MO

Benefits of Orthodontics During Pregnancy

Believe it or not, pregnancy may actually be the right time to start orthodontic treatment. Getting braces during pregnancy means your treatment will likely be done by the time your child is a toddler, which can be a challenging stretch. Additionally, it is easier to schedule orthodontic appointments before a new baby arrives.

If you have always had good dental appointments in the past, it might come as a surprise to you if you experience some oral health issues during pregnancy. Hormonal changes often affect your body’s reaction to plaque and germs. While brushing and flossing are important for everyone, it’s especially important for expectant mothers undergoing orthodontia.

Additional issues may include gum inflammation or swelling between the teeth. Your teeth may also become slightly loose during pregnancy. This does not mean you are at risk of losing any teeth. They will reattach once the baby arrives, but our orthodontist will consider the possibility of these changes when developing a treatment plan. These minor complications may necessitate additional orthodontics appointments.

Braces, Pregnancy and Diet

Women who are pregnant need to be especially cognizant of their diet to make sure they are getting the recommended amount of nutrients. Like anyone who wears braces, expectant mothers need to avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can break brackets and wires. This includes ice, which may be tempting to chew on to help relieve swollen gums.

Protein is especially important during pregnancy. However, the main sources of protein, like red meat, can be difficult to chew. Some braces-friendly protein sources are eggs, chicken, cheese and yogurt. Fish is also a great protein source, so long as the patient avoids any that may contain mercury, such as swordfish. If a patient eats a plant-based diet, they should consider chickpeas and beans. Instead of biting into foods like apples, you should cut them into small pieces before eating.

Procedures and Pregnancy

Getting braces during pregnancy often involves a few more procedures than average. You may have to visit the orthodontist more often for wire adjustment to account for any pregnancy-related weight gain. A new mold of your mouth and teeth may also be needed to account for any significant changes.

X-ray images are often needed during orthodontic treatment. While that may be concerning, research has shown dental X-rays pose no risk to an unborn child. A protective device will be placed over your abdominal area to ensure your baby is not exposed to any radiation.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is important during pregnancy but is even more vital if you also have orthodontic appliances. Pregnant women are more susceptible to gingivitis and cavities. Our staff will go over proper care for braces and oral hygiene with the patient. This includes how to keep the gums healthy.

Morning Sickness and Braces

Morning sickness is a common condition experienced by many expectant mothers. Not only does it make you feel awful, but excess acid from stomach bile can weaken and cause permanent damage to teeth enamel. If you are expecting and considering braces, try to wait and start treatment after the first trimester of pregnancy if possible. By the second trimester, morning sickness symptoms typically decline.

If you already have braces, rinse your mouth with water after a bout of morning sickness to neutralize the acid in your mouth. Leaving this acid on your teeth may increase your risk for enamel erosion that is not noticeable until after the braces are removed. Our staff can also recommend fluoride mouth rinses and special toothpaste that can help protect your teeth.

You should contact your primary care physician (PCP) or obstetrician if your morning sickness does not improve after the first trimester. It is also important to make sure your physician and orthodontist are coordinating their care. You should contact your PCP if the orthodontist wants to prescribe any medication, or if there has been a noticeable elevation in your blood pressure. Conversely, your physician can let the orthodontist know if there are any complications that could affect your treatment.