It is very necessary for a woman to take care of the oral health during the pregnancy and after the pregnancy. Pregnancy in women is a sign for hormonal changes. Hence, such changes will reflect oral health. It will lead to many oral health problems like gum diseases or buildup of tartar and plaque. Such poor oral issues can affect the baby’s health.
Taking proper precautions from the dentist is the best way for a pregnant woman to look after their oral health.
Before You Plan Your Pregnancy
It is necessary for every woman before planning pregnancy to see a dentist or book an appointment to take prior precautions.
The dentist will then check the condition of your teeth and examine the gum tissue. Preventive procedures like teeth scaling and polishing ie cleaning of teeth can be carried out and any oral health conditions can be treated in advance of your pregnancy.
It will help to keep the mouth healthy, strong, and safe.
During Your Pregnancy Procedure
After you are pregnant, don’t miss out to see a dentist for a routine checkup. It is extremely important to inform your dentist that you are pregnant. Informing the dentist about the month of pregnancy also is necessary to decide whether the dental treatment can be proceeded with. And also during pregnancy, seeing a dentist for oral checkup is very important.
When to be treated?
As a precautionary measure, dental treatments during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester should be avoided as much as possible. These are critical times in the baby’s growth and development and it’s simply wise to avoid exposing the mother to procedures that could in any way influence the baby’s growth and development. However, routine dental care can be received during the second trimester. All elective dental procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.
Medication that is safe to be taken
Seeing a dentist for a routine checkup, make sure to tell your medication routine and what medicines you are taking. Prenatal vitamins that your doctor has asked you to take along with the dosages. This is very important for the dentist to decide your line of treatment. A drug like a tetracycline should be avoided because it causes harm in the development of your child’s teeth. Every medicine is taken during pregnancy whether for toothache or any other treatment should only be taken with the consent of the gynecologist.
Dental X rays during pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant, x-rays are usually avoided due to the strong radiation attraction that may affect the child inside the stomach. However, during dental emergencies, your dentist must take extreme measures to safeguard you and your baby. Lead aprons and thyroid collars should be provided. Advances in dental technology have made X rays much safer today at sabkadentist.
Some things to remember
- If you are pregnant don’t miss out any dental appointment or regular checkup.
- Examination of gums should be carried regularly by a dentist as hormonal changes put you at an increased risk for periodontal problems and bleeding gums which is a condition called gingivitis.
- Tartar (calculus) accumulation in the lower front teeth and upper back teeth during this time is very commonly seen.
- Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, talk with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
- Follow your oral hygiene processes during pregnancy to avoid any further complications.
Coping with morning sickness
Uneasiness is very common that is seen in every pregnant woman; it happens due to the discomfort. Sometimes, in the morning women may feel sickness like vomiting that make them feel uncomfortable and lead to avoid brushing. So, not to avoid the problem as your dentist for the bland toothpaste. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwashes if there are frequent bouts of vomiting.
Diet for healthy teeth – you and the baby
Women crave for good food during pregnancy. They mostly crave for sweet and sour food items. However, avoid these as they can lead to oral problems. Also the more frequently you snack, the more the chances of tooth decay that results in forming cavities . Studies have shown that bacteria responsible for tooth decay are transmitted from the mother to the baby. The baby’s tooth is formed during the third month of pregnancy. Hence eat healthy during pregnancy. Foods like cheese, milk, and yogurt have many essential vitamins and minerals which are necessary for the growth and development of the child’s teeth.
After Your Pregnancy
Once you give birth to the child, seeing a dentist for the solution is very important. It may avoid the further oral problem of gums. Hence, see your dentist for your oral health soon after delivery to have your entire mouth examined and periodontal health evaluated.
Expert opinion
- Dr.
Ankita Gada Dental Director of Sabka dentist says ” During pregnancy taking care of yourself is very important and at the same time taking care of the oral health too. Poor oral health will result in oral issues and may cause major problems.”
One thought on “Pregnancy affecting dental health”
Pregnancy is a crucial stage one must take care of their oral and dental health during this period