Generally, good oral hygiene helps in the prevention of tooth and gum disease. However, for many pregnant women, hormonal changes and dietary changes make them more susceptible to gum and tooth problems. Hormonal changes cause the bones and tissues to loosen up, which becomes the main cause of tooth problems during pregnancy.
According to estimates, around 40% of pregnant women have a risk of developing tooth and gum disease. The only way to avoid it is good oral hygiene, dietary adjustment, and regularly visiting the dentist throughout your journey.
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Pregnancy And Dental Care
Expecting moms have many questions regarding pregnancy and dental care. It is true that during pregnancy, a woman is more susceptible to oral problems. However, they also seem concerned about the safety issues of dental treatment during pregnancy. It is generally very safe, and you must seek out immediate treatment of any dental problem at any stage during pregnancy.
Causes Of Dental Issues
There are many reasons behind the dental problem, especially during pregnancy. Some of the most common causes of tooth problems during this phase are
- Hormonal changes taking place in the body make your tissues and bones softer and thus become the cause of tooth problem
- A natural desire for more sweet food during pregnancy brings about changes in a dietary pattern leading to dental problems
- Morning sickness and vomiting cause frequent contact of stomach acid with your teeth that can also cause problems in the mouth and teeth
- Women need more calcium to support bones and teeth. The adequate intake of calcium can also cause tooth problems.
Ways To Prevent Dental Issues
Understanding the reasons behind dental issues that could arise during pregnancy is essential. It allows the women to adopt a set of precautionary and preventive measures that help prevent these dental problems. In most cases, the problem is minor, and a woman can easily prevent it by adopting simple remedies.
1. Adopt A Healthy Diet
Taking care of diet becomes even more important during pregnancy. As the diet you are taking has a lot to do with the health and nourishment of a growing baby. Eat a wide range of food to source all the essential nutrients you require during this phase.
Pregnant women require more nutrients. Make healthy choices of food such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products. Make sure that you are taking enough calcium, Vitamin D, iron, and other essential nutrients. These nutrients are necessary for healthier and stronger gums and bones.
2. Say No To Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can result in serious consequences, especially during pregnancy. It is generally not advisable to drink alcohol during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the baby. Alcohol can also increase the risk of tooth and gum problems during pregnancy. Alcohol is both sugary and acidic, making it extremely harmful for gums and teeth. If you are not sure where to begin in order to give up alcoholism, then you can consult a professional in this regard.
During pregnancy, traveling is the biggest point of concern. The good news is that you can seek treatment anywhere around you if you live in America. For instance, residents of Chicago do not need to move anywhere else to get the right treatment. They can easily find a number of rehab centers in Chicago that will assist them in regaining sobriety.
3. Give Up On Tobacco
Totally avoid smoking, as it can not only wreck your own oral health, but it might also cause dental abnormalities in your newborn baby. Smoking exposes your mouth to highly injurious chemicals that can cause some serious dental problems. Smoking also increases the chance of tooth loss during pregnancy. So, stay away from tobacco and smoking by all means.
4. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy can also help to avoid dental issues. As the teeth become more sensitive during pregnancy, try using a brush with soft bristles to avoid damage to the teeth or gums. Also, regularly brush your teeth at least two times a day. Flossing can allow you to get rid of any debris around the teeth.
5. Avoid Sugary Foods And Drinks
Expecting moms can end up having way too many sugary foods and drinks, especially due to the craving for sweets. Do treat yourself but do not have it in excess. Too many carbohydrates can damage your teeth and increase the risk of dental problems. Also, stay away from sugary drinks such as soda drinks and fruits juice.
6. Use Antacids
One possible cause of tooth decay and other dental problems is morning sickness. Morning sickness causes vomiting. You might not be able to use a brush right after vomiting, so make use of antacid for cleaning purposes.
This will work well to neutralize stomach acid and help in the prevention of dental problems. The stomach acid is very strong, and constant exposure to it can damage enamel and may even cause cavities.
7. Make Use Of Salt Water
In order to treat mild swelling and pain around teeth, you can make use of lukewarm saltwater to get some relief. It is common to experience swollen gums and teeth. The pain and bleeding can also occur, so for mild symptoms, warm salty water can work well as an effective remedy.
8. Regularly Visit Dentist
Keep visiting your dentist for regular checkups, even during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an excuse to skip your dental appointments. You might get to know any problem quite earlier if you regularly visit your dentist. You might even consult your dental problems with your dentist.
Make sure that you let your doctor know about your pregnancy so that he suggests medications and treatment accordingly. As not, all treatment and implants are meant to be done during pregnancy.
Take Away
Paying a little attention to your oral health can help you prevent a number of dental problems during pregnancy. Make sure to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist on a regular basis. This will help to avoid serious gum and tooth disease during pregnancy.
