All You Need to Know About Tooth Care During Pregnancy

Not many people enjoy visiting a dentist, but expectant mothers should find an opportunity to see a specialist before their baby is born. Dental health impacts overall health that is experiencing big changes during pregnancy. Some women are mistaken when they decide to postpone the visit to the dentist’s office for 9 months because a doctor will not only take a complete dental exam but will also help to deal with dental issues connected with pregnancy.

Dental Issues During Pregnancy

The woman’s organism changes during each semester of pregnancy. Elevated hormone levels together with retaining fluids, force women to suffer from such common dental problems as:

• Gingivitis. Expectant mothers are more likely to suffer from a mild form of gum disease due to hormonal changes that overstate the body’s reaction to the bacteria in the woman’s mouth. As a result, pregnant women may have swelling, irritation, redness, bad breath, and even bleeding gums.
• Gum tumors. This dental issue is quite rare and disappears after a child is born. Note that round, red lumps along a gum line are developing because of hormonal changes.
• Tooth decay. Pregnant women probably are having more snacks that cause tooth decay. Also, increased acidity due to vomiting and nausea may lead to cavities.
• Enamel erosion. Most expectant mothers have morning sickness that leads to frequent vomiting. The acids may begin to ruin your tooth enamel, enhancing the possibility of developing cavities. 

You can reduce the risks of suffering from any of these dental issues by adhering to simple rules of tooth care during pregnancy.

How to Care about Dental Health While Expecting a Baby

Taking care of your teeth is extremely important not only for your health but for your baby’s health. This is what you can do to keep your teeth healthy even while undergoing incredible body changes:

1.  Maintain basic oral hygiene

Cleaning teeth twice a day is especially important during pregnancy as your immunity worsens, and hormonal changes may affect the barrier of tooth protection. As a result, you become more exposed to plaque. So, if earlier you might have skipped cleaning teeth regularly, now, it is high time to maintain this basic oral hygiene. Choose the best toothpaste for pregnancy and change a toothbrush if necessary. Also, try to floss at least once per day as you are more likely to suffer from gum disease during pregnancy. Flossing will help you remove plaque and protect the gum from periodontal disease. 

2.  Keep to a healthy diet

Avoid consuming sugary drinks and foods to promote your baby’s health and keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy. Products with a high intake of sugar may cause tooth decay and negatively impact on your overall dental health. Instead, make sure you consume enough calcium – a necessary vitamin for expectant mothers. A daily amount should be not less than 1200mg, and you can get it through spinach, dairy, beans, broccoli, etc.

3.  Visit a dentist

It is very important to visit a dentist to address any dental issues during pregnancy. Many moms-to-be think that they must postpone seeing a specialist even if they require dental assistance. However, such common procedures as X-rays, deep dental cleaning, and local anesthesia are recognized to be not dangerous for pregnant women. 

A specialist will help you choose a safe toothpaste for pregnancy, give recommendations on how to protect tooth enamel, answer all questions on fluoride treatment while expecting a baby, and help identify possible problems that require urgent medical care. You shouldn’t also avoid visiting a dental clinic to reduce risks for babies to have cavities in the future.  It is better to get all the necessary treatment before the second trimester ends as then it will be more difficult for you to stay in a dentist’s armchair.

When to Tell the Dentist about Pregnancy?

A woman should tell the dentist about pregnancy at once, even if she only suspects she is waiting for a baby. It is necessary to tell what medications a physician has prescribed or what piece of advice the doctor has given. A dentist will consider all these details before giving you any recommendations or providing any dental assistance.  Be sure a good specialist will not prescribe any medications that may harm you or your baby, but do not be shy to ask questions if you have some hesitations in terms of treatment.

Wrapping-up

Pregnancy is a period of joy and happiness, but a woman should be especially attentive to her health at this time. Dental care is a crucial element of a healthy pregnancy.  It is necessary to make sure that the teeth get proper attention because hormonal changes make them more prone to disease. A woman should visit a dentist regularly as her oral health plays a significant role in the appropriate development of a child.  If you are looking for an experienced family dentist in Albuquerque, Gallegos Family Dentistry is here to help. Here, you can get high-qualified assistance for any dental issue, not having to worry about the safety of your baby.