admin
Aug 01, 2023
Pregnancy is a delightful yet testing phase in the life of a woman. While some days are filled with satiating food cravings, others are spoiled because of aversion to smells and nausea.
It is a mixed bag that comes with its ups and downs. During this period, it is vital to be extra cautious of your health to ensure a healthy baby and uncomplicated delivery.
Most women focus on diet and exercise when it comes to staying healthy during pregnancy. However, they also need to be vigilant about their teeth. Pregnancy leads to hormonal changes that can affect gums and cause oral problems.
So, here is a list of dental care dos and don'ts during pregnancy that will help you maintain a healthy mouth. These tips will help you prevent dental ailments and enjoy your pregnancy.
Dental Care Dos for Pregnant Women
It goes without saying that you need to have a disciplined dental cleaning routine and consume a balanced diet devoid of junk foods. Here are the rules that must be followed diligently.
1. Visit Your Dentist On Time
Pregnancy requires visiting your gynaecologist regularly. However, it does not mean that you can skip your dental examination appointments. Teeth are a significant part of body health and must be protected from damage.
Routine checkups are crucial during pregnancy to keep a check on plaque build-up and gum disease. You must inform your expert dentist Hope Island about your pregnancy. Getting dental X-rays during pregnancy is safe and even using numbing agents for an urgent dental treatment does not harm the baby.
2. Maintain Optimum Oral Hygiene
Dental health can deteriorate during pregnancy because of frequent vomiting and gagging during brushing, leading to poor oral hygiene. Also, many women start craving sugary foods that can lead to cavities by getting stuck to the teeth. Also, hormonal changes increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
Therefore, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day is vital. If you are getting a gagging feeling, you must use a small toothbrush. Using a toothbrush for toddlers can help you clean your back teeth without having the feeling of vomiting.
Ensure to brush slowly and focus your thoughts on something else. If the smell or taste of the toothpaste is creating the problem, you must ask your Hope Island dentist for a suitable replacement.
3. Increase Calcium and Vitamin D Intake
Calcium is essential for pregnant women to strengthen their bones and help in the development of the baby. It is also vital for healthy teeth. Thus, expecting mothers must consume calcium-rich foods like cheese, almond milk, yoghurt, milk, etc., during pregnancy.
The body also needs vitamin D for the absorption of calcium, and can be generated by exposing the skin to the sun. Other sources of vitamin D include eggs, fish, breads and cereals.
Dental Care Don’ts for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Here are things that they need to restrict to keep their teeth healthy.
1. Avoid Brushing After Vomiting
Morning sickness is common during pregnancy that involves acid reflux which harms teeth. Frequent vomiting can erode the tooth enamel and make teeth vulnerable to decay. It is vital to avoid brushing immediately after vomiting because the teeth are covered in stomach acid that can damage the enamel.
Thus, dentists in Hope Island suggest rinsing the mouth with tap water and then using a fluoride-based mouthwash. Brushing after one hour of vomiting is best to protect your enamel.
2. Don’t Neglect Dental Issues
If you have tooth pain or bleeding gums, you must visit your dentist without having any second thoughts. Neglecting these problems can aggravate them and lead to more pain and the need for invasive treatment. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can harm the baby.
Thus, you should not take tooth problems lightly during pregnancy and get your mouth examines. Your dentist will prescribe safe procedures that can be carried out during pregnancy and help to alleviate the pain
3. Stop Consuming Alcohol and Tobacco
Tobacco and alcohol can increase the possibility of developing gingivitis, which is a mild form of periodontitis. Since hormonal changes during pregnancy can also lead to this problem, it becomes vital to stay away from smoking because of its impact on oral health. Also, intoxication through tobacco and alcohol can hamper the development of the baby.
4. Restrict Sugar Intake
The presence of acids in the mouth during pregnancy is high and can cause cavities. Therefore, expecting women should not eat a high-sugar diet, such as candies, chocolates, cakes, potato chips, packaged fruit juices, etc. The sticky and starchy foods can get stuck to the teeth and help bacteria to wreak havoc in the mouth.
Also, increasing sugar consumption can lead to extra weight and the risk of developing gestational diabetes. So, eat right to keep your baby healthy and prioritise your well-being.
Wrapping Up
If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon, you must follow the dos and don’ts mentioned above. Ensure to inform your dentist in Hope Island about your pregnancy and take good care of your oral health.
