By: Karen Weeks
Did you know that proper dental hygiene and care during pregnancy could benefit your child’s teeth development later in life? Pregnant women undergo hormonal changes that health experts associate with a risk of certain dental-related diseases. Here are a few of them, courtesy of the Florida Dental Association.
Common Dental Problems During Pregnancy
Gingivitis – Nearly two in every three pregnant women suffer from gingivitis during their pregnancy. This inflammation of the gum requires treatment to prevent severe gum disease. Common symptoms include redness and swelling of the gum, bleeding when brushing teeth and shiny gums.
Gum Disease – This is also called periodontitis. It arises if you leave gingivitis untreated for too long. The gums become seriously affected to the point where the bones that support the teeth weaken. In effect, the teeth become loose and require extraction. Periodontitis can also lead to bacteria getting into the bloodstream.
Tooth Erosion – Vomiting due to morning sickness exposes teeth to stomach acid. Sometimes, the acid can lead to enamel erosion, which is the hard white surface of the teeth.
Pyogenic granuloma – These are non-cancerous tumors that present as lumps in-between teeth. They bleed easily and are often a result of an accumulation of plaque.
Symptoms Of Dental Problems
If pregnancy is taking a toll on your dental health, you may notice specific symptoms:
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Receding gum
• Tender gums
• Toothaches
Risks Associated with Poor Oral Health During Pregnancy
According to the CDC, periodontitis in the mother can lead to low birth weight and sometimes pre-term births. Children born of mothers with untreated cavities are three times more likely to suffer tooth cavities as they grow up.
Preventing Dental Problems During Pregnancy
One of the major causes of poor oral health is stress, which often builds up during pregnancy. Eating comfort food, which is usually high in carbs and sugar, could lead to a significant build-up of plaque. Stress also causes your mouth to dry up. Usually, saliva cleans and keeps the enamel moist while fighting bacteria in the mouth.
To reduce stress during pregnancy, it’s advisable to let in as much natural light in your house as possible. Declutter your living space and introduce houseplants into your home. Go for walks and enjoy sunlight, which is essential for bone health.
If you’re at a high risk of developing oral health problems during pregnancy, perhaps after experiencing symptoms in a previous pregnancy, it’s essential to consult your doctor. If the symptoms are due to a deficiency of certain nutrients, such as iron or a vitamin, they will recommend supplements. Still, a well-balanced diet is the best way to prevent nutrient deficiency during pregnancy.
Doctors recommend brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. It’s also important to floss at least once a day. You should also schedule a dental check-up at least once every six months, even when pregnant. During check-ups, doctors are likely to spot early signs of gingivitis before it develops into gum disease.
Take Care of Your Dental Health
A lot of your overall health begins with a healthy mouth. You shouldn’t discount the importance of getting dental care. Take measures to ensure your oral health, and don’t shy about contacting a dentist for regular check-ups!
About the author: Karen Weeks is a Senior Lifestyle blogger. She struggled to find a new sense of purpose after retirement which made way to learn a new skill and took a computer course. She then created ElderWellness.net as a resource for seniors who wish to keep their minds, bodies and spirits well.
Beyond the Bite 