Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, but it can be dangerous for your oral health. Let's take a look at the oral health risks that pregnant women face, as well as the steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy while you wait for your baby to arrive.
The Effect of Pregnancy on Your Oral Health
Pregnant women often experience soreness or bleeding from their gums. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis and often peaks around the eighth month of pregnancy, although it can start much earlier. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Pregnancy raises the level of progesterone in your blood, which encourages the growth of the bacteria that cause gum problems. Fight back against these bacteria by using an antibacterial mouth rinse, flossing your teeth every day and seeing your dentist for a checkup when you find out you are expecting.
Dental Treatment During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?
Many people worry that having dental treatments while they are pregnant could be harmful to the baby. However, it can be much more risky to leave gum disease or cavities untreated. Simple dental procedures, such as fillings and professional treat cleanings, can protect your oral health without putting your baby at risk. On the other hand, dentists typically recommend leaving major reconstruction work, such as dental implants, until after the baby is born.
Let your dentist know that you are pregnant when you go for a checkup. This allows your dentist to tailor your treatment to meet your individual needs. For example, dentists often avoid taking routine X-rays during the first trimester to minimise the baby's exposure to radiation.
Diet and Dental Health During Pregnancy
Eating a healthy diet can protect your dental health during pregnancy. Dentists recommend that pregnant women drink water with fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, as well as consuming milk and other dairy products to keep their calcium intake high. In addition, you should eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources and whole grains to give your growing baby all the nutrients it needs.
Many pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, which can cause acid erosion if you regularly vomit. Some women find that eating ginger-flavoured foods or drinks can reduce nausea during pregnancy. Sticking to bland foods, such as crackers or bread, during the morning can also help you avoid feeling sick.
Share29 July 2016
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
