How Pregnancy Affects Oral Health

How Pregnancy Affects Oral Health

Apr 27, 2017
It’s no secret that pregnancy is a massive responsibility. It effects every aspect of your lifestyle from your diet to your exercise schedule and back. Another area that it can affect equally is your oral health! Paying attention to oral health and ensuring you have good hygiene habits ensures that you are not catching any infections that put you, or the unborn child, at risk during a pregnancy. While pregnant, many women may be more prone to dental issues than they would be otherwise. Some studies show that up to around 40% of women who become impregnated already have some level of gum diseases – many of them being having gingivitis. During pregnancy increased hormone levels may make you more susceptible to plaque than you traditionally would be. Gingivitis should be treated during pregnancy and taken serious BEFORE it turns into periodontal disease, which can chew through the gums and effect the roots of the teeth. If left untreated long enough infections can go into the blood stream causing harm to you and possibly the baby. Studies of mothers who have had their periodontal diseases go to their bloodstream show they are more likely to have complications with pregnancy including premature delivery of the baby. This is why it’s vital to keep up brushing and flossing habits while pregnant to ensure no such problems happen to you. Also continue to regularly visit your dentist while pregnant, and if you have any other concerns visit your dentist immediately for an evaluation. About 5% of women who are pregnant will experience lumps along their gums. These are benign and can be removed by your dentist. They are not cancerous and generally are not harmful either. Morning Sickness: Morning sickness can cause dental woes for pregnant women as well. Vomiting can cause stomach acid to be brought up into the mouth leading to tooth decay. Sometimes in women with weak gag reflexes even brushing or flossing can cause morning sickness to induce vomiting without intending to do so. After vomiting rinse the mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to neutralize the effects stomach acids are having in your mouth to keep your teeth and gums healthy and fresh. Protecting Your Teeth During Pregnancy: To protect your teeth during pregnancy is to the dentists’ office! If you plan to get pregnant talk with your dentist beforehand so you can fix any dental issues you may have and lessen the chances of complications negatively effecting your pregnancy. You can get routine checkups during pregnancy! It is recommended as you are more susceptible to getting infections and having issues while you are pregnant! Routine cleanings are a must! If anything at all gives you problems see your dentist for assistance! Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily as well! Remember to eat a healthy diet as your baby develops their teeth buds between 3 and 6 months into pregnancy. You will need plenty of Vitamins A, C, & D as well as protein, calcium, and phosphorous to ensure your child is growing healthy baby teeth. Keep Coming to The Dentist: Most dental offices are happy to serve pregnant patients. Tell your dentist ahead of time, but always be sure to continue to see your dentist while pregnant! Pregnancy is no excuse to skip the dental work! Dentists will make accommodations needed to help keep you comfortable, healthy, and happy! At Ramona Dental in Chino, California we are happy to accommodate expectant mothers any time at any location! Our doors are open to you! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016. The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”
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