As an expectant mother, it’s normal for you to be eager to set up the nursery, buy clothes and diapers, and think about potential names. But what are you doing to take care of yourself? You’re following your doctor’s order to get exercise and eat right, but what about your oral health? Are you taking advantage of your dental insurance to ensure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible? If not, find out why you should.
What Dental Problems Can Occur During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women often face various dental problems because of the hormonal changes that occur over nine months. Not to mention, your body’s nutrients are being used to help your baby grow. As a result, you can experience certain issues that require dental intervention. One of the most pivotal is gum disease.
As your hormones change, you may notice that your gums appear swollen, bleed when brushing and flossing, and feel sensitive. This can cause gum inflammation, which means gingivitis is often present. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, affecting the bone, surrounding tissues, and teeth.
Other similar problems that can occur include:
- Enamel erosion caused by morning sickness and the acid that comes up from vomiting
- Tooth decay caused by certain foods that you may crave but are sweet or starchy
- Poor oral hygiene caused by increased fatigue, nausea, and interrupted sleep
How Can You Use Your Dental Insurance to Improve Your Oral Health?
Depending on your plan, you can expect your biannual checkups and cleanings to be covered at 80-100%, so early detection and treatment are possible.
If you require any restorative care or gum disease therapy, your plan may cover 50-80% of the total cost. This means that regardless of the type of treatment you need, your expected fees will be much less when using your dental insurance.
It is important to remember that to take advantage of your benefits, you must meet your annual deductible, so if your dentist recommends a service, don’t wait. If you wait until next year, you’ll have to pay more because of your deductible.
Also, failing to use your benefits before the end of the year means you lose access to your available funds, so make sure you get the most out of your plan while you can.
Dental care during pregnancy is essential, so talk to a member of your oral healthcare team to determine how you can use your benefits to take care of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hart is a member of the Beck Dental Care of Columbia team of expert dentists who prioritize patients’ oral health. As an in-network dentist who believes dental care should be readily accessible and affordable, he helps individuals maximize their available benefits, regardless of the time of year or stage of life. If you are unsure how to get the most out of your plan and want to avoid losing valuable money at the end of the year, visit our website or call (931) 388-8452 to schedule an appointment.