Trusted Independent Brisbane Dentists in Chermside

Planning A Family? Pre-Pregnancy Dental Advice

Here are some things to consider…

In this blog entry Dr Darryl Marsh writes... A thorough dental exam before you conceive is as important as an overall medical check-up.

During pregnancy, you are at greater risk of certain dental problems, the most common of these is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Because of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, your immune system becomes hypersensitive to the bacteria in dental plaque. So when you have a problem, it’s likely to develop and deteriorate at a much greater rate than it would at any other time.

So if you are planning a pregnancy, or have just found out you are pregnant it is wise to get your gums checked out to ensure there are no existing problems already, because periodontal disease can really accelerate throughout a pregnancy.

The other thing that’s important to know is that if you do develop gum disease during your pregnancy it can affect your bub because bacteria can be transmitted into your amniotic fluid. Researchers have found periodontal pathogens in amniotic fluid and placentas, which can lead to a greater risk of pre-eclampsia or a low birth weight for the baby. From your baby’s point of view it’s a good idea for mum to have a healthy smile.

When the baby is born DNA testing has shown that 95% of the bacteria actually comes from Mum. This means that if you have any of those nasty bacteria that can cause infection, be it gum disease, tooth cavities or any other form of infection in the mouth, then you’ve got a very high chance of passing them on to your baby.

Dental X-Rays – Get a check up before you fall pregnant

Another reason to be on top of your dental care when thinking about starting a family is to do with the use of X-Rays during pregnancy.

Even though dental X-Rays (particularly the Digital X-Rays we use at our practice) are a fraction of the radiation dosage of medical X-Rays, most people want to avoid any unnecessary exposure if they can. So it is wise that you have your teeth examined and X-Rayed before you fall pregnant, so that if there are any cavities present you can deal with them before they become a problem during your pregnancy.

Some questions I receive about pre-pregnancy dental care

Question: What does gum disease bacteria mean for a baby that doesn’t have any teeth?

It may seem strange to worry about dental problems when your baby doesn’t have any teeth yet, but the bacteria which cause problems with teeth are able to live in the gums as well. This means that when they do get teeth, they’re much more likely to develop that infection.

Question: Is that a bug that is very hard to get rid of?

You can use antibiotics to kill the gum disease bacteria, but the ones we would get an adult to use are ones we want to avoid using on a baby.

Question: Is there anything else to be aware of?

We know that in adults that have periodontal disease, the bacteria doesn’t just sit in your mouth, it can cause damage to other parts of your body. For instance, in the elderly, the majority of upper respiratory tract infections are due to periodontal disease.

Medical research has also shown that having the bacteria that causes periodontal disease is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. So even though there is no specific research that has been done into the effects on babies health, it is logical to prevent this bacteria in your baby.

Question: Babies that have that form of bacteria, does it affect the formation of the teeth?

No, not that I’m aware of. There are some people that are very susceptible to periodontal disease and they can loose their adult teeth at a very early age, possibly as a teenager (this is known as Juvenile periodontitis). It is uncommon, but if you do get it, it is devastating because there is a very high risk that you’ll lose of all your adult teeth.

If you are thinking about starting a family or have any questions about dental matters during your pregnancy, then contact us or ‘Ask a Dentist‘ online.

Keep Smiling!

Darryl Marsh

Recent Blog Posts

Gum Receding Brisbane

Understanding the Risks of Gum Receding

"I've noticed that one tooth is growing longer than the rest. Sometimes it looks less red and doesn't bleed, but […]
View Post
Bad Breath Causes

Exhale with Confidence: A Deep Dive into What Causes Bad Breath?

“Despite my efforts to maintain good oral health, I've developed a bitter taste in my mouth. Any ideas on what […]
View Post

There Is No Need To Fear

Fearing or not visiting the dentist is common. But there is a solution…
View Post
1 2 3 23

What Our Patients Are Saying

"When you’re prepared to drive more than 2000km to visit the dentist

it says everything you need to know about the service from the incredible team at Today’s Dentistry!"
Ross McHutcheon

"After 30 years of being terrified and avoiding dentists I have finally found "the one".

I could not recommend this place more. From the staff to the facilities, I have absolutely nothing to fault. My phobia is
gone and I will go nowhere else."
Lauren West

"The interior of the dentist feels more like a 5 star hotel spa and provides a very comfortable,

almost luxurious experience.
I highly recommend this dentist, especially if you suffer with anxiety or a fear of dentistry."

Adele Rooney

Get A Custom Dental Roadmap

Dental roadmap in Brisbane

Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.

Your first appointment includes:

An Intraoral Scan displayed on our chair-side TV so you see what we’re seeing.
A review of your Dental Roadmap, including interest-free payment plan options.
Diagnostic X-Rays to spot any hidden issues.

Our Ratings

todays dentistry google reviews

4.9 (159 reviews)

todays dentistry facebook reviews

4.9 (145 reviews)

todays dentistry true local reviews

4.9 (40 reviews)

Today's Dentistry Location Best in Chermside, Brisbane

Today's Dentistry
Is Located At

91 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu 8.30am - 8pm

Fri 8.30am - 2pm

Phone