Women's Dental Care Infrmation
Pregnancy
During pregnancy it is essential to maintain good dental hygiene. Due to the hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy, one may start to see changes in their gums, such as bleeding, sensitivity or inflammation.

Remember to schedule regular checkups with your family dentist, and continue practicing good dental hygiene at home. Prenatal dental care is critical not only for the developing baby, but for mom’s teeth and gums as well.

Pregnancy can affect dental health in a variety of ways including increased gum sensitivity and tooth decay. If proper dental care is avoided, these problems can lead to more serious problems such as pregnancy gingivitis or tumors.

Pregnancy Gingivitis
This condition occurs most often in the first trimester of pregnancy and is caused by an increase in certain hormones. Such hormonal increases can lead to red, irritated, or swollen gums. If your gums were inflamed prior to pregnancy, you are at a greater risk to have pregnancy gingivitis.

Pregnancy Tumors
These tumors occur when the gum tissue responds to an irritant such as food or plaque; this results in inflamed gum tissue growths in the mouth. Treatment typically involves a thorough cleaning to remove all irritants, along with good care at home. Although these tumors may diminish after pregnancy, they will not disappear entirely.

Advise Us Of Pregnancy
Be sure to let your family dentist know if you are pregnant, as we may need to consult with your physician before prescribing any medication or performing certain procedures. It is important to maintain a healthy diet, and continue to practice good oral hygiene during pregnancy. Remember to brush and floss your teeth every day, and avoid eating sweets and foods that stick to your teeth.

Pregnancy & Breast-Feeding
Some people believe dental treatments may be unsafe for you or your baby during pregnancy. This is simply not true. There are many precautions that can be taken to ensure you and your baby are safe - it is recommended to avoid unnecessary procedures until either the second trimester or after pregnancy.

If you are currently breast-feeding it is not necessary to postpone dental treatments, regular hygiene visits during this time are important. In the event of a problem or developing dental condition, our team of dental professionals can help you decide which options are best for you and your baby.

Smoking
Smoking can cause serious problems for your teeth and gums. Smoking kills cells in your mouth in which plaque begins to build on. It also makes you more susceptible to gum disease.

If you are a smoker, be aware of any sudden red or white sores in your mouth. If you notice pain or bleeding in the mouth, see your dentist. Smoking greatly increases your risk of oral cancer.

Smoking & Cancer
When you smoke a cigarette, it increases the temperature in your mouth and the chemicals from the cigarette begin to form an irritant. The irritant lines your mouth, sometimes forming patches that could lead to oral cancer.

Smoking Dangers
Certain forms of oral disease, like periodontitis (gum disease) could cost you your teeth or lead to more serious diseases.

Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills, can affect the health of your gums.

Birth control pills increase the level of the hormone Progesterone which can lead to heightened gum sensitivity, resulting in red, swollen, or bleeding gums.

It isimportant to tell your dentist if you are currently taking any oral contraceptives before being prescribed any medication or undergoing certain dental procedures.

Will my Osteoporosis medication interfere with my dental care?
It is very important to your health that you make sure to inform your dentist if you are taking Bisphosphonates (Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax, Zometa, plus others) for Osteoporosis. Patients taking this medication may not be candidates for some dental treatments due to the reactions with Osteoporosis medications. Please contact your dentist if you have any questions.


Ray Dental Group, 110 Minnesota Street, Rapid City, SD 57701-6201
Phone: (605) 343-2842, Fax: (605) 343-2829, Toll Free: (800) 325-2842, marsha@raydental.com
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