The Importance of Dental Care During Pregnancy

Oral hygiene, which is important for any woman but amplified by hormonal fluctuations, benefits both the pregnant mother and the developing fetus. 

Pregnant women should take extra care to brush and floss their teeth to avoid passing germs that could harm their unborn child. Dental health is an important component of a healthy pregnancy because conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis have been associated to premature birth and low birth weight. 

Pregnant women who take care of their teeth and gums are less likely to contract infections, which can have knock-on implications on their unborn children's health.

Why is It Important to Brush. Your Teeth While Pregnant?

Because pregnancy-induced hormones increase sensitivity and worsen gum disease, brushing your teeth regularly will help keep plaque in check and maintain healthy gums. Most dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day. Some recommend brushing and flossing after each meal. 

Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Oral Health

Owing to their effect on increasing blood supply to the gums and making them more inflammatory, pregnancy hormones – particularly estrogen and progesterone – have a huge impact on oral health. 

In addition to the many other health problems that can be associated with hormonal changes, pregnancy can also lead to gingivitis (inflammation and bleeding of the gums) and an increased risk of tooth decay. 

Regular oral hygiene care such as brushing twice daily with a toothpaste that contains fluoride ions and flossing frequently, plus an antibacterial mouthwash, can help to manage these changes.

Safe Dental Treatments During Pregnancy

You can have routine dental cleanings and preventive care such as screenings and fluoride treatments during pregnancy with no problem in almost all cases. 

If you have dental work done, make sure your dentist knows you’re pregnant so he or she can make changes to your plan. The second trimester, or middle months, of your pregnancy is when most women should schedule dental checkups. This is when the chances of problems are lowest.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health During Pregnancy

Pregnant women can further maintain healthy gums by using a rubber-tipped stimulator to massage tender gums if they are irritated. 

Additionally, eating a balanced diet – ideally, a diet high in calcium and vitamin D – is a good way to keep teeth strong and gums healthy. 

Proper hydration and avoiding sugary snacks between meals are also steps that can help prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.

Conclusion

Pregnant women should care for their teeth and try to avoid bad oral hygiene practices to mitigate the risk of encountering issues with their teeth and gums. 

As you can see, there are a lot of steps that you can take to protect yourself and your baby by taking care of your teeth and visiting a dentist for checkups. 

You should schedule an appointment with your dentist to evaluate your individual needs and concerns as a pregnant mother so that you can receive specific recommendations and treatment.