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The Importance of Oral Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an eventful occurrence but along with that comes quite a lot of responsibilities. Well, responsibility regarding health is one of them. While most of the expected mothers would be paying particular attention towards nutrition, exercise, and prenatal care, oral health is often neglected. However, visiting the dentist is equally important during pregnancy for the survival of both mother and child.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy make women prone to oral problems like gum disease and tooth decay; untreated dental diseases can lead to complications. This blog discusses the importance of oral health during pregnancy and how to maintain it.
How Pregnancy Affects Oral Health
Pregnancy brings about changes in hormonal levels significantly affecting oral health in many ways:
1. Pregnancy Gingivitis
The most widespread problem related to oral health that is found during pregnancy is pregnancy gingivitis. The increased levels of progesterone have made the gums so sensitive to plaque that the patient will usually experience redness, swelling, and bleeding while brushing. If untreated, this will lead to a condition known as periodontal disease, which has serious complications for both the mother and child.
2. Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Sweetening the craving during pregnancy really works with morning sickens and the result is becoming more susceptible to tooth decay. It is common that regular vomiting brings exposure to stomach acids capable of eroding enamel and weakening teeth in the long run.
3. Pregnancy Tumors
Certain women suffer growths on the gums referred to as “pregnancy tumors,” which are completely harmless uptight hormonal changes and accumulation of plague. Normally, these grow up harmlessly and go away after delivery, although they can be uncomfortable and should be checked by a dentist.
4. Dry Mouth
An altered hormonal balance is responsible for another change, that is, dry mouth, which basically refers to decreased saliva secretion. Saliva basically washes bacteria and neutralizes acids; thus, a dry mouth increases cavities and infections.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Pregnancy Outcomes
It is said that a very good oral hygiene practice in pregnancy would not be just for the prevention of dental problems but also could affect the outcomes of pregnancy. Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene accompanies complications such as:
1. Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight
Gum disease during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Infections can release inflammatory substances into the blood, which can lead to preterm labour.
2. Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women appear to be at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes during which the baby might become large and make the mother’s health suffer from long-term complications.
3. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy that is often very serious, has been associated with periodontal disease. Maintaining a proper oral health regimen may reduce the incidence of these diseases.
4. Transmission of Bacteria to the Baby
The more untreated cavities there are in a mother, the larger the cavity-causing number of bacteria that the baby can inherit through saliva. All this will raise the risk of cavity development later on in life.
Oral Health Tips for Expectant Mothers
Most pregnant women realize the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and this applies to their health and that of the unborn child. Here are a few practical things you can do:
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brush at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to manage those sensitive gums. And don’t forget to floss them daily to remove plaque from between them.
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Have healthy food and a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals-good sources of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, which are important for the development of the baby’s teeth and bones. Clients should be advised to limit sweet consumption and sugary drinks.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to help with a dry mouth and rinse off food debris and acids that can corrode the teeth.
4. Rinse After Morning Sickness
After vomiting, wash your mouth using clean water or a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize the stomach acids in case of the occurrence of morning sickness. Avoid brushing your teeth right away; instead, do it later as the enamel has been softened by the acid, and brushing may take a toll on it.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Be sure to visit your dentist before pregnancy for a dental checkup, and inform the dentist that you are expecting. Routine cleaning and exam are safe while pregnant and may prevent dental issues from becoming worse.
6. Avoid Harmful Products
There will be no teeth whitening products and OTC dentals unless you ask your dentist to manipulate them. They contain agent chemicals that are not recommended during pregnancy.
7. Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash
As advised by your dentist, an antimicrobial mouthwash is used for the prevention of gum diseases and plaque formation.
8. Protect Your Gums
Do not neglect swollen or bleeding gums. Visit your dentist to receive the appropriate advice and treatment.
When to See a Dentist During Pregnancy
It is often thought of as a given that during pregnancy there is no dental treatment or care. In fact, it’s routine dental care and treatments that are mostly safe during this time, such as fillings or even extractions. This is usually the best time for nonemergency dental procedures, as it is far more comfortable for the mother compared with the first or third trimesters. If you have periodontitis, extreme pain, uncontrollable periodontitis, or any other dental problems, don’t put off seeing a professional. A dental condition poses a risk to both you and your baby if not treated.
The Role of Oral Health in Your Baby’s Development
Your infant’s teeth first begin forming approximately at the sixth week of gestation, where it continues to form enamel and dentin during the third and sixth months of gestation. Brush your teeth well and eat balanced food; this should also give your baby the nutrients he or she requires for healthy tooth formation. Plus, oral hygiene ensures lowering rates of transmission of diseases otherwise harmful to your child.
Conclusion
Oral health is an integral part of overall prenatal care. Apart from the obvious prevention of and treatment for cavities, gum disease or complications, it is also an investment in your future and your baby: good oral health during pregnancy is definitely an investment in good health. On top of all that, taking care of your teeth and gums can also help protect your health as you prepare for your baby.
Create an apt smile for yourself and your baby by booking a dental check-up today since you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant.
