Dr. Steve W. Cobb: The Family Dentist Odessa Expectant Mothers Rely on for Dental Care during Pregnancy

Congratulations! You’re expecting a bundle of joy and you couldn’t be happier! Dr. Steve W. Cobb and all of us at the office in Odessa, TX, are thrilled for you. We also want to make sure you enjoy the best dental health while you’re pregnant – not only for your sake, but for the health of your baby.

Pregnancy Checkups with the Dentist Odessa Trusts

In addition to your regular at-home brushing and flossing, which is particularly important now in order to clean away harmful bacteria, Dr. Cobb and his team of dental hygienists and assistants would like to see you for a cleaning and exam at least once during your pregnancy. Ideally, this visit should be scheduled during your second trimester. Major fetal development occurs during both the first and third trimesters, so when possible, we like to avoid treatment at these times. We’ve also found that our pregnant patients are more comfortable lying back in the exam chair before the third trimester.

When you come to see Dr. Cobb for a dental checkup during pregnancy, we’ll be on the lookout for the same dental and oral health concerns as always and a few more that sometimes present during those special nine months. One of the most common is pregnancy gingivitis. Both blood volume and the hormone progesterone increase during pregnancy and can result in gingivitis, which is marked by swollen gums that may bleed. Fortunately, the symptoms usually disappear after you give birth.

Periodontitis, however, will not simply disappear. This is a disease caused by a bacterial infection that develops below the gum line. Left untreated, periodontitis may lead to tooth loss. Moreover, research shows that women who have this advanced form of gum disease are more likely to deliver early and have low birthweight babies.

Finally, for the mother-to-be who snores—whether this developed during pregnancy or has been on-going—you should see Dr. Cobb to determine whether or not your snoring is a sign of sleep apnea, which causes breathing to stop momentarily during sleep. Sleep apnea in pregnant women can lead to pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure – a danger for mother and child.

Call Our Office Today

Before your baby is born, schedule a dental checkup with Dr. Cobb, the family dentist you can rely on for comprehensive dental care at every stage of life. Call the office of Dr. Cobb at (432) 614-4080 to schedule an appointment. Our convenient Odessa, Texas, office welcomes patients from the entire West Texas area.