The Importance of Prenatal Dental Care

Last week was National Women’s Health Week, an awareness event started by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. In light of this, your Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans, want to educate their patients on a topic near and dear to the hearts of many women, the importance of prenatal dental care. Test your knowledge on this subject with the following quiz.

1. Why do pregnant women develop gingivitis more often than other people?

a. Morning sickness

b. Increased hormone levels

c. Weight gain

The answer is b, increased hormone levels, which cause the gums to react more severely to plaque build up. The term “pregnancy gingivitis” was coined because of this condition.

2. Pregnant women with __________ are more likely to give birth to underweight and underdeveloped babies than women without this condition.

a. Gum disease

b. Cavities

c. Halitosis

The answer is a, gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease could also contribute to a dangerous condition called preeclampsia, in which a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and has excess protein levels in the urine.

3. How many times should a woman visit the dentist during her pregnancy?

a. Once a month

b. Once each trimester

c. Just once

The answer is c, just once, unless a special need arises. Too much time in a dental chair can become uncomfortable, especially during the last trimester, so be sure to schedule your checkup before then.

Here at Wager Evans Dental, we care deeply about your dental health. Schedule an appointment with our office today by calling (775) 800-4845. We treat patients from Reno, Spanish Springs, Sparks, Dayton, Fernely, and the neighboring communities.