Welcoming a baby into the world can be a physically and emotionally draining event. It is critical to stay healthy when you begin on the path of parenthood, and this includes your oral health. You should consult your dentist regularly for your prenatal dental care, just as you see your doctor for pregnancy checkups. It is very important to take proper care for your teeth and gums before, during and even after the pregnancy. Pregnancy triggers hormonal imbalances which increase the risk of developing gum disease, which could also lead to pregnancy complications such as premature birth or early delivery. In this blog, we will see a brief on how pregnancy affects your dental health, signs or symptoms of dental issues during pregnancy and more about pregnancy and dental care.
Being pregnant increases your chances of developing oral health issues, which might have an impact on your pregnancy. Some studies conducted have proven a relationship between premature birth (early delivery) and Gum disease. Premature delivery is defined as giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature newborns may have greater health issues at delivery and later in life than full-term babies. Taking care of your mouth, teeth, and gums while pregnant will help you have a healthier pregnancy and infant.
Symptoms of Dental Problems During Pregnancy
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Lumps or Mouth sores on gums
- Spaces between the teeth
- Receding gums
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Toothache
It is recommended to consult your dentist, if experiencing pain, swelling or infection. Consulting your dentist right away can prevent problems for your baby.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral and Dental Health?
Pregnancy is induced with many changes in the body, which can affect your gums and teeth. For instances
- During pregnancy, it is common to have a change in your food habits. You may consume more of some certain food during pregnancy than you ever had, which can raise the risk of affecting your dental or oral health.
- During pregnancy, you may experience higher amounts of various hormones in your body, such as progesterone and estrogen. These can raise your chances of developing certain oral health issues.
- You may clean and floss your teeth less frequently than you did before becoming pregnant. This could be due to sore gums or being more exhausted than normal. And did you know? brushing and flossing may trigger nausea in some pregnant women.
These changes in food habits and in the body can increase your risk of developing certain dental or oral problems during pregnancy, including:
Gingivitis is gum inflammation which is very common with pregnant women, and can be exacerbated by pregnancy hormones. In studies conducted almost 60 - 75% of pregnant women have Gingivitis.
Periodontal disease also called periodontitis or gum disease is caused when Gingivitis, if left untreated. This causes severe gum infection as well as issues with the bones that support the teeth. Your teeth may become loose and require extraction (pulled). Periodontitis can result in bacteremia which is a dangerous ailment that requires quick medical attention.
Cavities (Tooth decay or caries) are small areas of damage on your teeth's surface. Which are more common while pregnant. You can pass the bacteria that causes cavities to your kid throughout pregnancy and after birth, resulting in problems with your baby's teeth later in life.
Loose Tooth During pregnancy, high amounts of the hormones can temporarily relax the tissues and bones that hold your teeth in place causing your teeth to become loose.
Tumors also known as pyogenic granuloma are non cancerous tumors that develop on the gums more commonly between the teeth and are very commonly observed in pregnant women. Pregnancy tumors have a red and raw appearance and bleed frequently. They can be caused by an excess of plaque. After delivery, these tumors normally disappear on their own. In rare situations, your health care physician may need to remove them. We all know how important dental checkups are before and after pregnancy, but what about Dental X-Rays?
Are X-rays safe during pregnancy?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe even during pregnancy. You should consult your doctor before having a dental x-ray or any other type of x-ray. The American Dental Association, American College of Radiology, and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, on the other hand, all concur that having a dental x-ray while pregnant is safe. For many years, it was assumed that obtaining a dental X-ray while pregnant was harmful to the unborn child. As a result, a large proportion of pregnant women have untreated gum infections and other oral problems. Even today, the great majority of pregnant women will reject X-rays until the pregnancy is ended.
How can dental issues be avoided when pregnant?
Daily care:
Even if you haven't taken oral hygiene seriously up until now, you must now since you are ultimately responsible for your baby's teeth growth. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a gentle brush is no longer optional, but rather required. Brushing between teeth with a water flosser or normal floss can assist to guarantee that no plaque leftovers remain.
Rinse your mouth regularly:
If you are unable to clean your teeth due to vomiting, take antacids or rinse your mouth; using a concentration of 1 tsp baking soda to 1 cup water can assist in lowering the quantity of acid in your mouth.
Regular dental checkups:
Regular dental checkups are very important even before, during and after pregnancy. Visit your dentist for every 6 months even during pregnancy for a regular dental and oral checkup; It is very important for your dentist to know about your health conditions before going to any procedure.
Maintain a healthy diet:
Your baby’s health and teeth all depend on the food you intake, what you eat has a significant impact on your unborn child's growth. A diversity of healthful meals is an important aspect of prenatal care. A healthy diet contains calcium and other elements that are beneficial to the teeth, gums, and bones. Increase your intake of vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin B12 through supplements or green leafy vegetables.
Morning sickness remedy:
Mothers suffering from morning sickness must wash their teeth after each bout of vomiting and use a mild toothpaste. If the vomit is not cleansed, the acidic quality of the vomit might harm the teeth.
We at Vistadent take extreme care of our patients and we make sure the ongoing procedure is done only after considering your health conditions. We adhere to a stringent sterilization routine in accordance with international standards to provide total hygiene and safe dental care. We not only treat patients of all ages, but we also keep them up to speed on simple, at-home treatments. And always follows “HYGIENE AND HEALTH GO HAND IN HAND”. Looking for the best care for your teeth? We are here to help, all you need to do is book your appointment or call us now!