How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health (And What to Do About It)

Oral hygiene refers to your teeth, gums, and mouth condition. Your general health depends on it in great measure. And if you are pregnant, your prenatal care—medical treatment received throughout pregnancy- is crucial.

Pregnancy raises the chance of dental health issues, which can compromise your pregnancy. Studies have shown, for instance, a connection between gum disease and premature delivery. Preterm birth is birth occurring too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm kids may have greater health issues both at delivery and later in life than newborns delivered full term. So, let’s look more at it in the article below and how it can be fixed by a dentist in Livermore, CA.

Here are some guidelines about your dental health to help you maintain your body and mouth free throughout pregnancy:

1.  Bleeding gums & gum disease

Changing hormone levels during pregnancy means your body will respond differently to germs on your teeth (plaque). This may cause bleeding and swollen gums, as well as the more severe types of gum disease like pregnancy gingivitis and periodontitis. Gum illness has been proven to be linked to negative pregnancy outcomes; pre-eclampsia, early delivery, and underweight childbirth are among the risks involved. Pregnant women should, therefore, be sure not to overlook any early symptoms of gum disease and see a dentist immediately.

2.  Treating gum disease

Periodontitis and gingivitis can be safely treated during pregnancy. The only danger involved in this therapy, which entails a dental health specialist doing a thorough clean beneath the gums to eliminate any germs, is a little gum soreness—that you would experience even if you were not pregnant.

3.  Prevention

Preventing dental health issues is usually preferable to treating them, especially while pregnant. A good pregnancy oral health care plan should entail brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste before bed and at least once daily, cleaning between your teeth daily, and visiting a dentist without any charges under the NHS.

4.  Diet

Your diet is one of the simplest adjustments you can make to improve your general health and dental situation. Reducing your sugar intake can help with many other aspects of your health and drastically lower your chance of tooth decay. Changing to fresh fruit and vegetables can help you and your child maintain dental health.

What can you do to help prevent dental problems?

You should follow these tips to prevent dental problems:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and floss once daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Frequent brushing and flossing help eliminate plaque and preserve the health of your teeth and gums.
• If vomiting prevents you from brushing your teeth, take antacids or rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup of water. Rinsing may help your mouth produce less acid. But never use any medication, including over-the-counter medications, unless you have first discussed it with your clinician.
• Do not skip a dental appointment during pregnancy; make one every six months or twice a year. Tell your dentist what you expect during your visit.
• Eat sensible meals and cut out on sweets. Healthy foods include lean meat, whole-grain bread and pasta, low-fat dairy products, and fruits and vegetables. Cut sweets and sugary meals; substitute water for sweet beverages.

Conclusion 

If you have any dental health problems during pregnancy, make sure you see a dentist right away. Inform your dentist if you are pregnant for safe treatment. Maintaining oral health during pregnancy is vital for both mother and child’s well-being. Regular dental checkups are crucial during pregnancy to monitor oral health and support the well-being of both mother and baby. Good dental hygiene can prevent complications and enhance the pregnancy experience.