Introduction
If you are wondering whether oral health during pregnancy is important, it is. Pregnancy and teeth health go hand in hand, yet most people ignore it.
Pregnant women tend to ignore dentist appointments as they dont think it is necessary. But it is very important for them to take their oral health seriously.
But why is Prenatal dental health so important? Read the full blog to get your doubts cleared.
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
These are a few tips that you can follow to take care of your oral health during pregnancy.
One of the best things that you can do for your oral health is avoid eating sugary foods and include a lot of fluoride in your diet.
Consult with your dental care provider for guidance and help.
Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans
