If you are dealing with pregnancy right now, then you might know that you are bound to take more care of your teeth to avoid unwanted health problems in you or your about-to-born baby. But you may not have detailed dental knowledge about this topic and you are becoming more and more confused about what to do, what not to do and how to do it. Don’t worry, we are here to help you out by giving some important tips along with detailed dental information.
By the end of this blog, you will have the answers to all these following questions-
- What should be the dental habits during pregnancy?
- What are the causes of dental health problems during pregnancy?
- Can your dental problems affect your developing baby?
- Should you change your diet?
- Is it okay to have dental work done during pregnancy?
So, if you have these questions in your head, then sit tight and read this informative detailed dental blog thoroughly. We hope, that after you finish reading it, you will have a better understanding and knowledge about dental health during pregnancy.
What should be the dental habits during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you just have to maintain the ideal oral hygiene routine, which you are supposed to maintain forever and nothing more. But you have to be a bit more careful and strict, as you are in a more sensitive condition than usual. In one of our previous detailed dental blogs, we have discussed oral hygiene in detail, you can check that out for more information. Here, the gist of that detailed dental blog is mentioned again along with additional pregnancy time habits-
- Don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Brushing after having -supper and sugary/acidic food- is a must.
- Floss every day and it would work better if you floss every time before brushing your teeth.
- Limit drinking acidic and sugary foods or drinks.
- Don’t chew or smoke tobacco during pregnancy.
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Visit a dental clinic for regular checkups every 6 months and do not forget to mention to your dentist that you are pregnant.
- Consume more calcium and vitamin D.
- Rinse your mouth properly with water after vomiting.
What are the causes of dental health problems during pregnancy?
As per detailed dental information, there are multiple dental health problems people suffer more frequently during pregnancy. The common reasons behind those problems are-
- You may face issues like gum bleeding or swelling because of hormone changes during pregnancy. Such hormonal changes can change your body’s response to oral bacteria and may increase the flow of blood to the gums. Get checked by a dentist if you face these issues. For more information about gum problems you can check other blogs written by specialists.
- Due to pregnancy hormones, those stomach muscles -which make food stay inside the stomach- get softened and people start vomiting frequently. Vomiting and gastric reflux make acids and food particles keep coming and staying in the mouth. These acids cause damage to the teeth’ enamel and then tooth erosion occurs. The stuck food particles also lead to dental plaque.
- During pregnancy, craving for unusual foods is a very common thing. But eating too much sugary or acidic food will increase the chance of tooth decay. So try to ignore such food cravings as much as you can or try to have a healthy alternative.
- During pregnancy, brushing teeth may cause gagging for some people. If you are one of them, be patient and carefully brush all your teeth. Use a soft-bristled and small-headed toothbrush. Do not hurry while brushing, instead go slow, take your time and brush thoroughly.
Can your dental problems affect your developing baby?
As per detailed dental information, some dental problems of the mother can also affect the baby. For example- many experts think there is a link between severe gum disease in pregnant women and premature or underweight baby birth. You can and should treat your gum disease during pregnancy to stay on the safe side.
Is it okay to have dental work done during pregnancy?
It is mandatory to have regular dental checkups during pregnancy, but elective procedures are strictly forbidden. You can have treatments like- filling or root canals, but numbing medications or anaesthesia should not be applied. Don’t undergo any dental surgery or lengthy treatments unless it’s an emergency. Also make sure to tell your dentist about your pregnancy, so that they can use the detailed dental knowledge to avoid any unwanted occurrence.
