Pregnancy is the most beautiful period in a woman’s life. It’s the time to celebrate and rejoice your womanhood. There is so much to think about during pregnancy that you may easily overlook oral health. It is very important that you take good care of your teeth. During pregnancy there are lot of hormonal changes in the body which leads to various teeth and gum problems which in turn affects the baby. Hence it is imperative that you pay more attention to your teeth and fix an appointment with your dentist to avoid any dental problems.
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Common pregnancy related dental problems
Gingivitis:
Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, gums become susceptible to inflammation and bleeding. This condition is called gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis is quite common and it occurs in 50% of the pregnant women. The food particles get stuck in between the teeth, which then leads to infection. Most people get gingivitis, but pregnant women are more prone to it.
Periodontal disease:
If gingivitis is not treated promptly, it might lead to periodontal disease. In this condition the infection in the gums becomes severe, due to which the bones and fibres holding your teeth in place, are damaged. This even leads to tooth loss. It is a thing of concern during pregnancy as it will affect the child.
Pregnancy tumours:
Another problem that arises during pregnancy is the formation of painless lumps on the gums that are called pregnancy tumours. Even though it is not cancerous, it needs attention. Sometimes they subside on their own, but otherwise needs surgical removal.
Diet
Snacking frequently may increase your risk of tooth decay which is induced by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky thin film of bacteria. These bacteria convert starch and sugar that stay in the mouth after eating, into acid that destroys the tooth enamel. The longer you have sugar remaining in the mouth, the more will be the acid attack. Repeated attacks cause tooth decay.
How to take care of your teeth during pregnancy?
Sara is a web enthusiast and a passionate blogger who dreams, observes, and listens. She blogs on various topics including home improvement, technology, photography, health and more. At present she blogs for Super Smile- (http://supersmile.com.au/), which focus on quality and exceptional orthodontics. They excel in providing incognito lingual braces Canberra, orthodontic braces, Invisalign, Orthopedics, Plates and more.
Image Credits
Common pregnancy related dental problems
Gingivitis:
Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, gums become susceptible to inflammation and bleeding. This condition is called gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis is quite common and it occurs in 50% of the pregnant women. The food particles get stuck in between the teeth, which then leads to infection. Most people get gingivitis, but pregnant women are more prone to it.
Periodontal disease:
If gingivitis is not treated promptly, it might lead to periodontal disease. In this condition the infection in the gums becomes severe, due to which the bones and fibres holding your teeth in place, are damaged. This even leads to tooth loss. It is a thing of concern during pregnancy as it will affect the child.
Pregnancy tumours:
Another problem that arises during pregnancy is the formation of painless lumps on the gums that are called pregnancy tumours. Even though it is not cancerous, it needs attention. Sometimes they subside on their own, but otherwise needs surgical removal.
Diet
Snacking frequently may increase your risk of tooth decay which is induced by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky thin film of bacteria. These bacteria convert starch and sugar that stay in the mouth after eating, into acid that destroys the tooth enamel. The longer you have sugar remaining in the mouth, the more will be the acid attack. Repeated attacks cause tooth decay.
How to take care of your teeth during pregnancy?
- Good dental care during pregnancy is a must because it not only affects you but also your baby that is growing inside you.
- Visit your dentist – For general cleaning and routine dental check up, go to your dentist at least once during your pregnancy.
- Brush your teeth twice every day and floss once a day.
- Avoid sugary food – It is best to curb your sweet cravings. But if at all you do take them, remember to clean your teeth thoroughly after eating.
- Switch your toothpaste – If you experience morning sickness better ask your doctor to suggest some bland paste.
- As far as possible avoid dental x-rays during this time.
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet - Opt for more dairy products as they are good for your baby also.
- If you have cavities it is better you get it filled in the second trimester because after that it’s difficult to lie on your back for a longer time.
- Cosmetic procedures and teeth whitening should be done after child birth.
- Postpone all other non emergency dental work till child birth.
- A little care taken now will prove useful in the long run.
Sara is a web enthusiast and a passionate blogger who dreams, observes, and listens. She blogs on various topics including home improvement, technology, photography, health and more. At present she blogs for Super Smile- (http://supersmile.com.au/), which focus on quality and exceptional orthodontics. They excel in providing incognito lingual braces Canberra, orthodontic braces, Invisalign, Orthopedics, Plates and more.
especially during pregnancy because yes, the baby takes away from the calcium the mother is used to getting as well as other nutrients and bad dental care during life and pregnancy could cause weak teeth and chips as well as sensitive gums which could cause bleeding even at the slightest brush.
ReplyDeleteGood dental care also reduces morning sickness, or so I've known.
Dental infections can cause preterm labor, so it's important to take good care of your teeth during pregnancy.Just be sure to tell the dentist you're expecting so he can choose medications safe for your unborn.
ReplyDeleteDental work such as cavity fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the chance of infection.
ReplyDeleteElective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth. It is best to avoid exposing the developing baby to any risks, even if they are minimal.
ReplyDeletewhen you are pregnant your gums will bleed a little more than usuall. You have more blood flowing through body and more hormones flowing as well. So your gums may be sensitive to all the extra blood flowing through them.
ReplyDeleteHaving increased saliva is also common among some women during pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteAs far dental appts, you shouldn't avoid those. It is impt to follow up with your dental care. Baby will be siphoning all of the nutrients from your body as long as he's in there so your calcium reserve(bone and tooth strength) will be depleted. This is the main reason for taking your prenatals, along with other key vitamins that are not always provided in sufficient amounts by our daily diets.
ReplyDeleteOral hygiene is important most especially for pregnant women. Some oral bacterial growth may lead to damaging effects on the baby. Dental visits shouldn't be avoided as opposed to myths invented. In fact, visiting your dentist at least once during the entire pregnancy period is recommended to see if there will be any occurrence of unwanted instances on the baby due to oral problems.
ReplyDelete