Verified by Dr. Smitesh Patel
MDS and Implantology, Dentist, Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dentist, Dental Surgeon
During the pregnancy period, a woman is concerned about hygiene. It is the foremost thing to keep herself and the baby safe throughout the gestation period. Apart from everything, do you know which care also needs maximum attention during pregnancy? It is the dental care. This is a major concern for overall health. Hence, every pregnant woman must be aware of pregnancy dental care.
Many pregnant women prefer to carefully manage their diet and routine, improving their eating habits. However, many of them fail to consider their dental health during pregnancy. Do you know that a lack of dental care awareness during this stage can lead to serious consequences? So, keep in mind that “pregnancy and dental care” go hand in hand. Pregnancy and eating habits during this period often lead to serious dental issues. This further places both the mother and baby at risk of suffering from diseases like cavities.
Here are your pregnancy dental guidelines; go through them in detail.
Pregnancy and Dental Cavities: The Impact On Both Mother and Child
Pregnant women have a high risk for cavities due to major changes in their behaviors, such as eating habits. When women experience cavity-causing bacteria during their pregnancy, it will transmit to the baby. After delivery, the bacteria transmits from the mother’s mouth to the baby.
Early exposure to these bacteria and other sugars, such as through frequent taking or snacking with a baby bottle, leads to decaying to the tooth in early childhood. This is why comprehensive dental care is necessary during pregnancy. The early pregnancy dental care will also safeguard the child’s oral health. Remember, a child’s development inside the womb makes dental visits more important than ever.
- 1 in 4 women who are in their childbearing age have reported untreated cavities.
- Children of mothers with high rates of untreated tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss are more than three times more likely to develop tooth decay in childhood.
How Pregnant Women Should Practice Effective Dental Care?
Apart from routine oral care, pregnant women must practice effective dental care. They have to do something more to protect their and their child’s oral health in advance. That’s common for pregnant women to notice massive changes in their diet and eating habits. Nothing is necessary to limit the change, but the only thing necessary is to follow effective pregnancy dental care and practices. Here are the pregnancy dental care tips every pregnant woman must follow for their oral health.
Regular Dentist Visits
Many pregnant women skip their regular dental visits during pregnancy for fear of harming their babies. Unfortunately, this poor decision can actually put her child at risk. Remember, when a mother has bad oral health, eventually, the child gets it from the mother; as discussed earlier, bacteria can transmit it.
During the pregnancy period, it is common to notice hormonal changes and other side effects. All these make pregnant women more susceptible to cavities and periodontal disease. The resulting infection can indirectly impact the baby. Further, it will increase the miscarriage risk or premature childbirth.
This is why it is essential to visit the pregnancy dentist before and during the pregnancy period. This will help them to maintain optimal dental health. Dental care before conceiving is also necessary because if the woman needs extensive dental work, the dentist can treat it before she gets pregnant. Therefore, she doesn’t have to worry about it affecting her baby.
Moreover, during pregnancy, women must visit their dentist regularly and have their teeth cleaned. This will ensure that their dental health does not lead to further health problems for them and their baby.
Concern More on Proper Brushing and Flossing
Morning sickness is very common during pregnancy period. This may let you think twice about brushing. However, it is important to brush twice a day during the stage. During pregnancy, the dental risks are quite higher than normal. It is a good idea to brush your teeth after your morning sickness is over. But, in case you suffer from sensitivities and nausea, you can use a child’s toothbrush and toothpaste.
Like brushing, flossing is also equally important. Floss will reach the corner and surface of the teeth that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach. This will prevent the formation of plaque and cavities due to harmful bacteria. Regular flossing will also limit the risk of periodontal disease and cavities, which are higher during pregnancy. Remember, flossing must be done at least once a day or preferably twice.
Watch and Focus on Gingivitis
Apart from your proper brushing and flossing schedule and regular dental visits, another crucial thing is to watch for gum disease signs. Regularly check on your gums, and if you find any signs and symptoms of gingivitis, inform your dentist immediately.
Gingivitis is common during pregnancy due to higher blood flow and hormonal changes. When this condition occurs, microbes like bacteria will attack your gums and enter your bloodstream. This will eventually put your pregnancy and child’s health at risk. However, it can be prevented when you pay attention to early warning signs of this dental issue. Here are the symptoms and early warning signs of gingivitis:
- Sensitive gums and teeth
- Redness and swelling
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
When you experience any of these above symptoms, it is necessary to contact your professional dentist. Do not panic if you notice a little slight red blood while brushing your teeth, even if you do not have any other symptoms and warning signs. This often occurs when blood volume increases, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Limitation on Sugar Consumption
Limitation on sugar is necessary in the diet for pregnancy dental care. Sugar consumption will let the food often stick to the teeth. Further, microorganisms like bacteria will start invading the mouth, feed on the sugars, and secrete acids. This is exactly how sugar will destroy your teeth. However, carbohydrates must not be completely avoided during pregnancy. You can consume your daily necessary dose of carbs in the form of whole grains, fruits, cereals, and other healthy options.
Craving for various types of food will make it challenging for you to control sugar in your diet which further leads to compromise. For example, you may crave or eat potato chips because of their salty and crunchy taste, and you will consume sugar with it. So, replace it with kale chips, which are a way healthier alternative and good for your teeth’s health.
If you have consumed sweets or carbohydrates through any means, immediately after eating, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth. Also, you must know that milk also contains sugar in the form of lactose. Therefore, you also need to rinse after drinking milk.
Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are often advised for pregnant ladies. It will strengthen the overall health along with oral health. This is why vitamins are included in pregnancy dental care. Moreover, it will be helpful for the development of the baby. Remember, during pregnancy, your body requires a high amount of calcium.
Due to calcium deficiency, you can suffer from pregnancy tooth decay, which is usually not noticeable at the early stage. Hence, regular consumption of prenatal vitamins will include nutritive essentials such as calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals. It will keep your overall teeth strong throughout the pregnancy period. Moreover, it will ensure that your child, too will have good oral health.
Final Thoughts on Pregnancy Dental Care
Dental care needs much attention during pregnancy. To maintain overall oral health hygiene, you must practice the necessary pregnancy dental care during this period. And, yes, something you should not miss is a regular visit to your dentist. Schedule your appointment at hardy oak family dentistry, and the professionals will assure you of high-quality dental care throughout your pregnancy period. So, enjoy your pregnancy, but do not forget about your dental care and oral health. Make sure you keep up with the necessary dental care practices regularly.