For some women, they enjoy pregnancy since it’s a celebration of love and life. Others dread it, most especially because their body undergoes a lot of changes that are beyond their control. What’s more, they have to prioritize the health of the growing child inside of them. The changes they undergo sometimes have a significant impact on their oral health, which is why neglecting oral care in this delicate period can have serious repercussions for both mother and child.
Hormonal change: the link between pregnancy and oral health issues.
As mentioned above, a woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy, and the most severe out of all of them are the fluctuating hormone levels. Because of its instability, it makes the mother’s body prone to catching infection.
Gingivitis. Sometimes, these hormonal changes are the same culprits that cause inflammation and sensitivity in their gums, which sometimes lead to gum disease. Some women also suffer what they call “pregnancy gingivitis,” which is characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums. At times like these, it’s best to head to Toorak Dentist to get their gums checked and assessed by the dentist, so they could also prescribe the right treatment to help alleviate the condition. At the first sign of inflamed gums, head straight to the dentist since leaving gingivitis untreated could lead to periodontitis, tooth loss, and other concerning health problems.
Morning sickness. During pregnancy, a lot of women also suffer from frequent vomiting or “morning sickness,” which is also detrimental to the teeth. Because of their frequent vomiting, their teeth are often exposed to stomach acid, which could strip away the protective enamel. This could lead to cavity buildup and tooth decay.
Dietary changes. Pregnant women also often have cravings for certain foods, but the most common among them are sweet and salty dishes. This is fine as long as they also meticulously practice oral care to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy, or else they are prone to cavity buildup.
What are the potential risks associated with poor oral health during pregnancy?
Given how pregnant women are exposed to a lot of factors that can negatively affect their fragile health, it’s no surprise that they also carry the risk of suffering the negative side effects of poor oral health, manifesting in the form of the following:
Preterm birth. Several studies indicate that there’s a strong connection between gum disease and preterm birth; many women who bore premature children often have gum diseases. This is because gum issues trigger inflammation throughout the whole body, which in turn affects the placenta and could lead to premature labor.
Low birth weight. Similar to preterm birth, low birth weight is also associated with women who suffer from gum diseases. What’s even worse is that these babies have a higher chance of developing health problems as soon as they’re born and later on in life.
Increased risk of infections. Speaking of infections, the child is not the only one susceptible to contracting infections; the mother is, too. Once you have infected gums, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and will likely travel to other body parts, spreading the infection. This is why it’s crucial to head to emergency dentist Toorak at the first sign of infection so the dentist can prescribe the right medicine and perform necessary procedures to stop the bacteria and infection from spreading and worsening.
What can pregnant women do to maintain good oral health?
As alarming as these conditions may be, pregnant women can avoid suffering from any of these diseases and conditions as long as they practice consistent oral care like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least twice a day. Additionally, they should also make a habit of doing the following:
Attend regular dental checkups. Attending regular dental appointments for women is a must, especially if they’re expecting. Usually, adults are encouraged to visit the dentist at least once every six months, meaning twice a year. However given how pregnant women are prone to gum infections, the dentist may require them to come in more frequently to monitor their condition, if they have any.
Practice effective oral hygiene. On top of brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth, it would also do well to be mindful of the products you use. Use fluoride toothpaste not only to brush off food particles but also to strengthen enamel, keeping cavities at bay. For your toothbrush, use soft-bristled ones and gently swipe them when brushing; avoid aggressive brushing since it may damage your gums.
Be mindful of your diet. Try limiting your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. If you ever feel the urge to snack on sweets, try and reach for fruits like apples instead. If you experience morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water and fluoride or an alcohol-free mouthwash to neutralize the stomach acid and prevent it from damaging your teeth.
Increase your calcium and vitamin D intake. These two nutrients are the ideal combination if one wants to fortify their bones and teeth, on top of helping make the muscles stronger. On top of these, both minerals also help with nerve communication and promote a healthy immune system. Some good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, and nuts, while you can get your fill of vitamin D in salmon, mackerel, and other types of fatty fish, as well as eggs and bread.
Communicate with your dentist. Most importantly, talk to your dentist about any oral concern you may be facing or worrying about. If it helps clear your mind, continue with the regular dental checkups and screenings, as long as the dentist clears you. After all, there are a lot of benefits to regular oral cancer screenings since early detection makes planning and treatment easier for dentists and other allied medical professionals.
Maintaining optimal oral health during pregnancy entails a lot of work; there’s the need to be mindful of what you consume and do extra oral care to keep your oral health in top condition, but it’s necessary for both mother and child. By understanding the risks of poor oral health, pregnant women can proactively take steps to ensure they take great care of their gums and teeth and keep infections away.