Why Pregnant Women Should Take Dental Care Seriously

It’s not new that women undergo several physical changes during pregnancy, some of them are really awkward. This is why it is inevitable that many women feel some insecurities about their shape and overall appearance. But those awkward changes are nothing compared to the priceless joy a mom feels when she knows her own baby is growing inside her, much more when she sees her baby for the first time!

While many of the physical changes are beyond your control, you can always do your best to take care of your health. When you have good health, it can influence your baby’s health as well as your overall appearance. Then, you can be more confident about yourself.

Part of the aspects of your overall health that you need to pay special attention to, now that you are pregnant, is your dental health. Why is that so? You might argue that all people need to take care of their oral health. Whether they’re young or old, pregnant or not, man or woman—nothing shouldn’t be an excuse to neglect dental care.

The Relationship between Pregnancy and Oral Health

During pregnancy, women experience hormonal changes in the body. Those hormones are the culprit why they can be moodier, experience lots of weird cravings, and deal with various bodily changes. That hormonal change is the same, exact cause of some oral health problems in pregnant women.

As a result, pregnant women might encounter gum problems such as gingivitis which is actually a common condition that women experience as they enter pregnancy. When you have gingivitis, you may notice that at times, your gum bleeds after brushing or flossing. You may also notice that they are swollen. Read more about that in this article.

This shouldn’t be a cause of panic. Oftentimes, gingivitis isn’t a very serious condition. However, it’s also something you shouldn’t ignore. When you have gingivitis, your teeth become more susceptible to plaque buildup and cavities which can lead to other dental problems. In addition, gingivitis might be an onset of a more serious gum disease called periodontitis.

Based on research, periodontitis might likely increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight which can possibly cause many health issues to your newborn. Clearly, even milder gum problems during pregnancy should be treated as soon as possible.

How can pregnant women avoid gum and oral problems?

• Have a regular dental checkup. As soon as you’ve found out that you’re pregnant, inform your dentist about it. He could adjust the procedures and medications to your current situation.
• Give your teeth some professional cleaning. Studies show that this procedure is safe for pregnant women. So, you should still ask your dentist and medical doctor about their opinion about it. Vancouver Office for Wendel Dental could give you practical insights on this matter. Also, do your own research to be able to make a more informed decision.
• Rinse with tap water after vomiting. Most pregnant women experience morning sickness that force them to throw up. Too much acid in your mouth might cause tooth erosion though. So, get rid of those excess, unwanted acid. Rinse your mouth with water every after you vomit. Brush at least 30 minutes after to allow your teeth to recover.
• As much as possible, avoid sugary foods and beverages. Stick to nutritious meals that include lots of fiber and a healthy amount of calcium. And oh, water is still the best beverage among the rest. Find out more here. Specifically, drink lots of tap water because it contains fluoride that help repair damage in your teeth. Avoid those kinds of snacks that stick to the teeth, such as some candies.
• Continue your daily oral care routine. We all have a daily oral care routine. But pregnant women have more reasons not to neglect it in any way. After every meal, rinse your mouth with tap water to wash out food debris that hasn’t hardened yet. Brush your teeth regularly and give it a nice floss.

You can avoid some of those awkward physical changes during pregnancy if you do your best to take care of your health, including oral health. But, also learn to accept that some of these changes are beyond your control. Just enjoy that phase and focus on the priceless joy of seeing your baby soon!