Why Do Pregnant Women Need To Pay Attention To Dental Care?

Pregnancy brings many changes and prepares your body for quite a few visits to the doctor. You might undergo tests and ultrasounds, take prescribed supplements, get exercise, and follow a diet and much more. Your dental hygiene is something you need to care about during pregnancy. Here’s why:

Your oral health will go through significant changes owing to pregnancy and therefore requires to be watched by your healthcare professional. It’s important that you do meet your dentist, not only the routine check-ups but especially during your pregnancy.

Several women ignore their dental health even when not pregnant. It’s never too late to get a check-up done.

In This Article

What is the best time during pregnancy for an oral health examination?

The first trimester is the time you should undergo a dental examination as later tests and procedures may endanger you or your baby’s health.

How safe is oral health examination during pregnancy?

Undergoing a dental check-up during pregnancy is quite straightforward and simple, and it benefits both you and your baby. It’s important that you let your dentist know that you are pregnant.

Is it safe to have dental X-rays during pregnancy?

Any oral health procedures beyond the routine dental cleaning and examination is the safest during the second trimester. If you need dental work apart from a routine cleaning and exam involving local or topical anesthetic or X-rays, the second trimester is the safest time to get it done.

How does pregnancy affect your oral health?

Pregnancy might affect your oral health because of hormonal changes pregnancy brings with it. Many women develop called pregnancy gingivitis, a condition characterized by swollen or red gums that might bleed as well. Regular checkups, brushing and flossing regularly can help keep pregnancy gingivitis.

Apart from the hormones, morning sickness can affect your dental health. Repeated vomiting exposes your teeth to gastric acids. Stomach acid dissolves the tooth enamel. While you might not be able to control nausea, you can help prevent the enamel corrosion by flossing your teeth with water. Chewing spices like cloves help curb nausea while also improving your oral health. But, if you have severe vomiting, you might want to consult your doctor and dentist to guard your teeth.

How does your oral condition influence your baby’s health?

There is an association between your oral health and your baby’s health. Studies have linked gum diseases and premature babies or babies with low birth weight. Therefore, it is essential that any gum disease is diagnosed in time.

What are the most common symptoms to watch for?

Some common symptoms include bleeding from the gums while brushing, foul breath, loose teeth, or separating teeth.

Most oral health conditions can be treated if they are identified in time. If you are soon going to be a mother, you might just have to be extra cautious about your oral health.

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