Pregnancy comes with a lot of challenges. From morning sickness and swollen feet to crazy cravings and weight gain, there is so much to deal with. To manage these issues, doctors provide details instructions to pregnant women during their prenatal.
They also add dental care tips to prenatal care because being pregnant can increase the risk of some oral issues. A recent study found that periodontal disease can increase the risk of premises or premature birth. Health experts have pointed out that premature babies are more likely to have health issues at birth.
This article sheds light on some tips that can help pregnant women improve their oral health.
How does pregnancy affect oral health?
It is completely natural for your body to undergo a lot of changes during pregnancy. These changes will affect your mouth, gum, and teeth in many ways. Below are a few of them.
Eating habit
While pregnant, you may crave and eat certain types of food that you didn’t eat before. These foods may be rich in ingredients like sugar and unhealthy fat that can affect your oral health.
Increase in hormone level
During pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone will increase rapidly. While these hormones have a lot of benefits, it is worth noting that they can increase the risk of certain oral conditions.
Poor dental hygiene
Pregnant women sometimes skip brushing their teeth and flossing because of the following reason.
· Tender gums
· Severe fatigue
· They become nauseous while brushing and flossing
Dental issues you may experience while pregnant
The changes in your eating habit, hormone level, and energy level while pregnant can increase the risk of certain oral health conditions. Below are a few of them.
Loose teeth
Increased secretion of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can prevent you from having contractions prematurely. They can also help ready your breast to produce milk.
These hormones may also cause the bones and tissues that keep your teeth firm to loosen.
Tooth erosion
Morning sickness, which is common during pregnancy, may cause you to vomit. Each time your vomit your teeth become exposed to stomach acid. Continuous exposure to stomach acid may damage the enamel.
Gum disease
According to the CDC, 75% of women will have gingivitis in the early stage of their pregnancy. If left untreated, it may deteriorate and cause serious infection in the bones and the gum. This, in turn, may cause gum disease. Experts have pointed out that smoking can also cause gum disease.
Symptoms of oral health problems during pregnancy
As previously mentioned, some oral conditions can put the health of pregnant women and that of their babies at risk. Knowing the symptoms of these conditions will put you in a better position to address them before they deteriorate.
Here are some common symptoms of dental issues.
· Presence of lumps on the gums
· Red, tender, shiny, and swollen gum
· Bleeding gum (when the gum bleeds easily)
· Loose teeth
· Receding gum
· Mouth sores
· Presence of spaces between the teeth
If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should visit your dentist as quickly as possible. If after conducting an exam, you are diagnosed with any oral condition, you should take prompt steps to address it. Remember that some dental conditions can affect your baby’s health.
Things you should tell your dentist while pregnant
Ensure that you visit your dentist regularly when pregnant. During your session with your dentist, you should tell them about the following.
The medications you are taking
This includes everything from prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications to herbal products and supplements.
If your pregnancy is high risk
This means that there is a huge possibility that you and your baby will encounter some problems during pregnancy. Having a chronic health condition can make your pregnancy high risk.
Tips that can help prevent oral health conditions during pregnancy
Below are some tips that can help keep your teen healthy.
Follow a balanced diet
Your diet should be rich in healthy foods like good-fat, lean meat, veggies, fruits, and low-fat dairy products. Limit your consumption of sweets and high-salt foods. Drink lots of water and reduce your intake of sodas and sugary drinks.
Cut out unhealthy habits
Degrading habits like smoking can affect your health and that of your baby.
Regular dental check-up
Whether you are experiencing oral issues or not, you should visit your dentist for a checkup at least twice yearly.
Brush and floss
Use a manual or an electric toothbrush with soft bristles to brush your teeth twice daily. Floss your teeth once daily to remove plaque and food remains that are stuck between your teeth.
Final note
Following the tips discussed in this article will go a long way in helping you improve your oral health during pregnancy. The tips can also help reduce the odds of your developing serious oral conditions. And if you happen you experience any of the symptoms of oral issues, you should visit your dentist.