Pregnancy and Dental care : Things You Need To Know

The pregnancy period is a time when women come across advice regarding different things – diet plans, routine exercises, and to change certain lifestyle habits. All the attention revolves around the food and nutrition for the mother and child. However, there is one area that is uncared for during pregnancy. We are talking about the importance of oral health and hygiene during the pregnancy period. The reason for the neglect is just lack of awareness. This article will give you a picture of things you should know about dental care during pregnancy.

Pregnancy causes hormonal variations that increase the risk of developing gum disease and cavities which, in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby. So you must take care of oral problems as soon as you feel any sort of discomfort during pregnancy. In fact we suggest regular visits or online consultations with your family dentist, every month till the period of your pregnancy and postnatal care. Being one of the best dental clinics in Kochi, Dentique Dental Clinic assures you the best dental care.

Routine Check-Ups and Dental X-rays are Safe

Don’t worry about taking dental X-rays during pregnancy. Your dentist will be of utmost caution and will take all necessary precautions beforehand. Before taking a dental x-ray, your dentist will shield your abdomen and thyroid to safeguard your body and your baby. Likewise, routine dental checkups are safe during pregnancy. You need to take routine checkups without fail during pregnancy. Do routine checkups to avoid dental complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women are more likely to get gingivitis. In such cases missing the routine check-ups may lead to tooth decay.

Let Your Dentist Know about your Condition

Your gynecologist is the one you regularly connect with during your pregnancy period. Maintaining the same connection with your dentist is necessary as your oral health is very important. Letting your dentist know about your condition will help them plan your dental treatments accordingly. Get your routine check-ups done, as the chances of cavities are more during the pregnancy period. Cavities, when left uncared for, can even lead to tooth loss. Apart from the regular check-ups, all the other elective dental treatments can be postponed until the delivery. It is very important that your dentist get an idea about the medications and the doses you are taking. By knowing this, they can prescribe dental medicines accordingly and change their treatment plan if required.

Take Good Oral Care

Following healthy dental routines will minimize the chances of dental problems. Good oral care routines include brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Also, pay special attention to changes in gums. On noticing any sort of tenderness or bleeding gums, don’t hesitate to consult a best dentist. If left untreated, this can cause serious infection in the gums and problems with the bones that support the teeth. Your teeth may then get loose, and they may have to be extracted.

Read More About : 5 Tips for Keeping Your Teeth and Mouth healthy during the Summer

Morning Sickness and Dental Care

One of the very common symptoms of pregnancy is morning sickness. Mostly, women experience morning sickness while brushing. In that case, switch to bland-tasting toothpaste. Due to excessive vomiting from morning sickness, your teeth come in contact with more stomach acids which can affect the teeth enamel.

Pregnancy and Cavity

A dental cavity is not a new or rare thing. But the chances for cavities are considerably higher for pregnant ladies. This is because of the changes that happened in their eating habits. You might be well aware of the fact that your baby gets nutrients from what you eat. So is the case with cavity-causing bacteria. Too much bacteria in your mouth may get transferred to the baby’s mouth causing childhood cavities. It is said that children of mothers who have high levels of untreated cavities or tooth loss are more than 3 times more likely to have cavities as a child.
Eat Healthy, Limit Sugar

Not only during pregnancy, follow a healthy diet to keep yourself away from illness. During pregnancy pay extra attention to your diet. Healthy foods include fruits and vegetables, lean meat, whole-grain bread and pasta and low-fat dairy products. Nutrients like protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C and D, will help the baby’s teeth grow healthy. The teeth development in a baby happens between 3-6 months of pregnancy.
Likewise, limit the intake of sugar. Choose water over sugary drinks. Sugar consumption enhances the chances for tooth cavities so avoiding them during pregnancy is much advised.

Pregnancy Tumors

Hey! Don’t worry about the term. Pregnancy tumors are lumps that occur in the mouth during pregnancy and are not cancerous. Also known as pyogenic granuloma, these look red and raw, and they bleed easily. The occurrence rate of pregnancy tumors is 10% and can be caused as a result of excess plaque. Being lumps that occur in between teeth, they may create difficulty in speaking and eating. However, these tumors usually go away on their own after giving birth. In rare cases, they may need to be removed by your healthcare provider.

You are going through a period where utmost care is required. Never leave dental problems unnoticed as they can affect your baby too. A dentist has a significant role during your pregnancy and post-pregnancy period. Never forget to maintain oral hygiene and if help is required, never hesitate to visit your dentist. Happy Parenting!