Introduction
Oral health during pregnancy is one of the least spoken topics. But it is something not to be taken lightly. Bad oral hygiene can lead to various complications in the pregnancy including periodontitis, gingivitis and preeclampsia.
Pregnancy brings a lot of changes in a pregnant mother and changes in the oral health is one among them. Due to various factors including hormonal changes can lead to these changes.
Hence it is important to concentrate on oral hygiene as much as you concentrate on other aspects of your health.
Why is dental cleaning necessary during pregnancy?

Just like other parts of your body, you need to prioritise your oral health during pregnancy.
Since there are a lot of hormonal changes in the body, they can mess up your dental health and put you at an increased risk of getting periodontal disease. It affects your gum health and causes gum bleeding.
About 40% of pregnant women will develop pregnancy gingivitis. It is when the gum is inflamed that it makes them look red and causes swelling, which results in gum bleeding.
This condition Gingivitis is the very first stage of periodontal disease. It could even cause bone loss and tooth loss if not treated at the right time.
How do you maintain oral health during pregnancy?

- To maintain your oral hygiene during pregnancy, have a prenatal dental care routine and stick to it religiously.
- Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle brush. Ensure to floss your teeth once a day to get rid of plaque buildup.
- Ensure to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to rinse your mouth.
- If you haven’t visited your dentist’s office in the last six months, make sure you get an appointment and get yourself checked.
- If you are facing vomiting issues, use mouthwash and rinse your mouth every time you vomit to get rid of any gunk and protect teeth from decaying.
- Another important thing that you need to keep in mind is, eat mindfully. Stay away from sugary foods, as you may already know that consuming too much sugar can cause dental issues. By sugar we mean all sorts of added sugars. Stay away from sugary drinks, carbonated drinks, sweets, etc.
- Fluoride is one important component that helps prevent cavities. Water contains a good amount of fluoride. So make sure to drink ample water throughout the day, especially before and after your meals.
Although most water contains fluoride, it may not be sufficient to fight cavities. Try having a fluoride-rich source of food in your diet, like potatoes, raisins, and oatmeal, to prevent cavities.
How does poor oral hygiene affect pregnancy?

Most women may not be aware of the fact that poor oral health during pregnancy has a large impact on your pregnancy and can even cause premature delivery.
Yes, you read it right. Poor oral hygiene may result in premature delivery, impacting the baby’s weight.
This is because it is stated that the bacteria which causes gum inflammation has the capacity to get into your bloodstream, which could have a negative impact on the fetus.
So, it is important to take your prenatal oral health more seriously and seek professional help if and when needed.
Can I Go to Dentist while I am pregnant?
Yes, you can, and you should visit your dentist while pregnant. As we mentioned above, pregnancy increases your risk of getting Gingivitis and other oral health issues which could even cause premature birth. So it is never too late to get your oral health checked.
Conclusion
Oral health during pregnancy is extremely important. Make sure to book your routine dental checkup appointments without fail.
Apart from this, it is also important to brush yur teeth twice a day and floss everyday. If you are facing any issues in the gums such as swelling or bleeding, contact your doctor and talk to them.
For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, Contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans
Deepthi
Dr. Deepthi Jammi (Director, Jammi Scans) is a qualified OB/GYN and Post-Doc in Maternal Fetal Medicine. As a pregnancy ultrasound expert, she is passionate about healthy pregnancies and works towards spreading awareness on the latest diagnostic options available for parents to choose from. Dr.Deepthi has received gold medals and awards in Fetal Medicine at international and national conferences, and has appeared in numerous prestigious regional magazines and TV interviews.