The period of pregnancy is genuinely excellent and life-altering for a woman. However, it doesn’t come without complications, with dental problems being a major one. Often, pregnancies are plagued by severe dental issues that affect not only the mothers but also the soon-to-be babies. Today’s blog post will discuss some of the most common dental health complications in pregnant women. We will also provide simple tips to help you maintain excellent oral health throughout your pregnancy.
1. Schedule a dental check-up.
It is essential to visit your dentist for a thorough dental examination before getting pregnant or as soon as you learn you are expecting. This allows your dentist to address any oral health issues and develop a customized treatment plan. It is just as vital for you to attend your regular dental check-ups after becoming pregnant, so that any changes in your oral health can be spotted early on.
2. Practice good oral hygiene
During pregnancy, it is imperative to clean your teeth and gums properly. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and use dental floss once a day to remove plaque. Your dentist may recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash to protect your teeth and gums further.
3. Eat a balanced diet
What you eat significantly affects your health, and that’s also true for your teeth. When pregnant, it’s essential to have a diet rich in calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and phosphorus to support the development and maintenance of strong teeth and bones. It’s not a good idea to have too many sugary foods or drinks, as they can lead to cavities. Plain fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are healthier choices and good for your baby.
4. Manage morning sickness
Numerous women undergo morning sickness during pregnancy, which often leads to enamel erosion from regular vomiting. We should manage our response to this erosion. To minimize the risk to our teeth, we should rinse our mouths well with either water or fluoride-containing mouthwash. Brushing right after vomiting is not a good option because it can cause the acid to seep into our teeth, potentially further weakening them.
Reference: healthline.com
5. Communicate with your healthcare provider
Be sure to inform both your OB/GYN and dentist about your pregnancy so that they can collaborate to ensure your health. Your dentist might say to wait until after you give birth to have any non-essential stuff done, but they will do anything necessary to keep you happy (and healthy) while you’re pregnant.
Final Thoughts
Southern Colorado Periodontics & Implants offers several tips for pregnant women to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We recommend having regular dental checkups, as an alarming number of women skip this crucial dental step during pregnancy—a decision that can have severe consequences for their immediate and future oral health. We also offer several tips for pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness, which can wreak havoc on tooth enamel. We remind women who may have been faithful about their dental check-ups and hygienic practices before pregnancy not to neglect these essential health-promoting duties during those nine months when hormones can loosen up and threaten a woman’s gums.