Pregnancy affects a woman’s life in every aspect including her oral health. It is very important to take care of your body and teeth during pregnancy. The nine months are challenging and we’re here to help you get through it! Before your little one arrives, here’s how you should take care of your oral hygiene:
Oral Problems During Pregnancy
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy increases the chances of getting oral health problems like gum diseases and pregnancy tumors, etc. Here are the oral problems that you may face during pregnancy.
- Dry Mouth– Pregnancy affects the salivary glands and it can lead to bigger oral problems like tooth decay and serious oral infections.
- Pregnancy Tumors– Don’t be alarmed with the term ‘tumor’. Pregnancy tumors are small round raised areas in between teeth usually appearing during the second trimester of pregnancy. They usually disappear after you have given birth to the baby.
- Morning Sickness leading to Enamel Erosion– A lot of pregnant women experience morning sickness. Apart from the constant nausea, the acid in your stomach is strong enough to erode your teeth. If you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux later in your pregnancy, the gastric acid can have the same effect on your teeth.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis– During pregnancy your gums need special attention as they are prone to sensitivity, swelling and disease which leads to the condition of pregnancy gingivitis. If your gums are bleeding too much then you need to be proactive about taking action against it.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
For the majority of women dental check ups are safe and is in fact recommended as special care is needed for oral care during pregnancy. Here are a few tips for taking care of your oral health during pregnancy:
- Although you may be tempted to brush your teeth immediately after a bout of morning sickness but brushing your teeth so many times a day can promote gum bleeding and enamel erosion. You can ask your dentist to recommend a mild toothpaste and soft brush every time you get these bouts.
- You can also rinse your mouth with dilute solution of chlorhexidine mouth wash.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and enhance production of saliva.
- You should inform your dentist about all the medicines that you are consuming and get regular dental checkups. Elective dental procedures should be postponed till after giving birth.
- Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy but you should avoid sugary foods. Even if you snack on food you should do so in moderation.
- Maintain a balanced diet. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of essential minerals and are good for baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.
We have an experienced team of professionals at the multi-speciality Dental Health Care Center – Creative Smiles with Dr. Veejay Deshpandey, Dental Surgeon and Implantologist and an innovator in the field of Implant Dentistry heading the team. At Creative Smiles, we offer the most advanced dental services at very affordable prices.
Creative Smiles, in Thane, Mumbai can bring the sparkle back to your smile and help you attain a smile you’ll be proud to show off. To learn more, contact us to schedule your no-obligation consultation today!