DENTAL CARE DURING PREGNANCY

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is now recommending that OB-GYNs assess each patient’s oral health at the first prenatal appointment and recommend that the pregnant woman see a dentist during pregnancy.  The College has stated that teeth cleaning, dental X-rays, and local anesthesia are safe for pregnant patients.

Specifics in the ACOG’s 2013 guidelines include advice that oral health care improves general health throughout a woman’s lifetime and treatment of active caries during pregnancy reduces the possibility of caries-producing oral bacteria being transmitted from mother to infant.  Additionally, OB-GYNs are urged to reinforce the importance of routine care and oral hygiene such as brushing at least twice each day, flossing at least once per day, limiting sweet or sticky snacks and drinks, and dental examinations twice a year.

These guidelines, distributed to OB-GYNS across the country, open the opportunity for a dentist to inform OB-GYNs in the community that pregnant patients are welcome in his/her office where patients are met with top quality dental care plus education about how to care for their oral health during pregnancy and beyond.  A golden marketing opportunity!!