Episode 67: Dental Health: Prioritizing Your Teeth As A Mom

In this episode, Jodi and guest Dr. Samantha Rasekh discuss dental health and it's importance for new moms. Dr. Rasekh provides insight into successfully taking care of your teeth and finding a practice that works for you while also easing worries about what dental work can be done while pregnant.

Show Notes:

4:28: Why is dental health so important? 

"Obviously, for your own health. You want your mouth to be healthy. You don't want to be in pain."

5:46: How to successfully take care of your teeth while pregnant

"Oftentimes, when I see pregnant patients, and they need work, I have the conversation with them, of whether it's best for them to put it off until they deliver or if it's something that we want to try do during their third trimester when it's the safest time to do it."

7:29: Going to the dentist with a newborn

"I think finding in general, a team that's going to work with you and your limitations is really important."

9:42: Finding a practice that works for YOU

"I think it's the same as when you're finding any, whether you're finding your OBGYN or finding your pediatrician, your friends experiences are going to be the most reliable source of information."

11:34: Potential consequences of putting off dental care

"Those things that are minor, that would have just been a filling... end up being much more major. You're in pain or the cavity is so big that it can't just be fixed with a filling."

12:36: Clarifying mouth myths

"I would ask to maybe wear two lead aprons instead of one lead apron and really minimize what I need. But you definitely can safely have necessary X rays while you're pregnant."

16:55: Communication between your dentist and OBGYN

"It's pretty standard within dentistry that the dentist will speak to your physician."

18:56: Asking questions and advocating for yourself

"But I think really asking, not necessarily saying 'I don't want this,' but saying, 'Is this safe? Is this necessary? Would it be possible for me to speak to the doctor before I do it?'"

23:43: Dental health and insurance coverage

"If you're on some sort of subsidized health program, it is worth looking into what kind of additional dental insurance you have while you're pregnant and really utilizing those benefits while you're pregnant."

Contact Dr. Rasekh:
Facebook: Samantha Rasekh
Email: [email protected]

Credits:
Host: Jodi Fried
Guest: Samantha Rasekh
Editors: Isabel Leyva and Ilyana Castillo