Overview
It is vital for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes which increases the risk of developing gum disease which in turn can affect the health of your developing baby. Here are some tips to help you maintain good oral health before, during and after pregnancy.
Before You Get Pregnant
Try to make a dental appointment before getting pregnant. This will help your teeth to get professionally cleaned, get a careful examination of the gum tissue and get treated for any oral health problems in advance of your pregnancy.
Dental Care While Pregnant
Tell your dentist or doctor if you are pregnant. You can get your routine dental care at any time during pregnancy and any urgent procedure can be done as well. However, all elective dental procedures should be postponed until after delivery. Before your dental appointment, check with your obstetrician to see if she has any special instructions or precautions for you.
- Tell your dentist about the names and dosages of all drugs you are taking currently, including the medications and the prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. Your dentist will need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information.
- Do not skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you are pregnancy. This is the time during which regular periodontal or gum exams since pregnancy causes hormonal changes which put you at increased risk of periodontal disease and pregnancy gingivitis in which tender gums bleed easily. Pay attentional to any changes in the gums during pregnancy. Talk with your dentist or periodontist if tenderness, gum swelling or bleeding occurs at any time during pregnancy.
- Dental X-rays can be done during pregnancy. Your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby such as thyroid and shielding your abdomen. Today advances in technology have made X-rays much safer than in the past decades.
- Follow good oral hygiene practices to prevent and/or reduce the oral health problems.
Coping with Morning Sickness
- If morning sickness keeps you from brushing your teeth then change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend brands.
- Rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse if you suffer from morning sickness and have bouts of frequent vomiting.
Eating Right for Your Teeth and Baby
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Include dairy products, yogurt and cheese as they are a good source of essential minerals and good for baby’s developing gums, teeth and bones.
- Avoid sugary snacks. Although sweet cravings are very common during pregnancy. Keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay.
After You’ve Had Your Baby
If you have experienced any gum problems during pregnancy, then see your dentist soon after delivery to get your entire mouth examined. Also get evaluation of your periodontal health.
Conclusion
You have so much to think when it comes to pregnancy from how you are going to decorate the baby’s room to what you are going to name the baby, to the diapers and bottles and bibs you are going to need. Well, with all these things to think during pregnancy, ensure to keep your health and well being on the list and this includes your mouth as well.
Dental care questions during pregnancy are common among the expecting moms. Annual exams and preventive dental cleanings are not only safe during pregnancy but are strongly recommended. Keeping your mouth healthy will help to keep you healthy which will help to keep your baby healthy. Brushing and flossing contributes to your overall health. Hence, it is quite essential to get the dental care during pregnancy.
Source:
Teeth for Two: Oral Health During Pregnancy
Top oral cavity changes during pregnancy