Pregnancy is one of the most mind-blowing experiences. However, it comes with so many changes that can be overwhelming. Keeping up with the hospital visits, setting up a nursery, and dealing with other physical and psychological changes is enough to make someone put the dentist’s visit on the back burner.
Sadly, you cannot detach your oral health from your overall health. Visiting our dentist during pregnancy is still part of your prenatal care. Oral hygiene in pregnancy is critical since your baby’s health is also at stake. Dental issues during pregnancy can arise because of the changes that come with pregnancy.
This is why you need dental care tips to help you take good care of your teeth and gums to ensure that you and your baby stay healthy. But before we check the dental care tips, let’s see how pregnancy affects your dental health.
Pregnancy and Your Teeth
When you are pregnant, your body has to change so that the fetus can develop as it should. But, when these changes occur, they can affect your teeth and gums. For instance:
- Your body will have an increased level of certain hormones such as progesterone, which can increase the risk of certain dental health issues
- Your diet and eating habits will change because your body will start demanding certain foods, which might affect your oral health
- You may not brush and floss your teeth as you did before pregnancy because you might be more tired than usual, your gums could be tender, or cleaning your teeth may cause nausea
Because of the following changes, you might be at risk of developing other dental issues such as:
- Tooth Decay
These are tiny, damaged areas in your teeth’s surface. The bacteria that cause tooth decay can easily be passed to your baby during pregnancy.
- Gingivitis
This is a dental issue that is characterized by gum inflammation. You may notice that you have swollen and tender gums. This is the first stage of gum disease, and if the issue is not treated, it will advance. Pregnancy hormones usually increase the risk of you developing gingivitis.
- Loose Teeth
The increased levels of hormones during pregnancy can cause the temporary loosening of the tissues and bones that secure the teeth in place.
- Periodontitis
If you don’t do something about gingivitis, it escalates and leads to periodontal disease or periodontitis. This is a very severe infection that affects the gums and the bones that support your teeth.
- Tooth Erosion
Most women will experience morning sickness, which may lead to vomiting. Constant exposure to stomach acid can harm the enamel.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Health Issues During Pregnancy?
If you experience certain symptoms and signs of dental issues during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to call our dentist. Peel your eyes for the following:
- Loose teeth
- New spaces between your teeth
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, shiny, or tender gum, which bleeds easily
- Receding gums or pus along your gumline
- Lumps on the gums or mouth sores
- Toothache
Can Dental Treatment Affect Your Pregnancy?
You shouldn’t believe the stories that suggest that going to the dentist will be risky for developing babies and expectant moms. On the contrary, visiting our dentist will be of great help to you and your baby.
Don’t forget that you cannot detach your oral health from your overall health. For instance, some studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and low birth weight or premature births.
There is no dental treatment that can harm you or your child. Even if you need to take x-rays, our dentist will take special precautions. Plus, the radiation emitted by modern digital x-rays cannot harm the developing fetus.
Which Toothpaste Is Best for Pregnancy?
Dental care during pregnancy can help you keep many issues at bay. However, you may need to have the proper equipment and products. One of the products you need to have is fluoride toothpaste since it can help strengthen your teeth and your baby’s teeth. Also, you can use fluoride mouthwashes to help improve the health of your teeth.
Dental care and oral hygiene in pregnancy are vital for you and your developing baby. If you have any questions concerning dental treatment during pregnancy, contact us at Dental Zone, and we would love to help.