The general health of a pregnant woman is very important and dental care is not an exception. A future mother should follow the recommendations of a specialist, brush and floss teeth every day.
The risk of gum diseases increases during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. It is better to make an early visit to a dentist for an examination. Consider checking the post about dental plans in order not to worry about finding funds for teeth care while carrying a child. Follow this article to discover how to keep your teeth healthy without any harm to a baby.
The Best Time For Dental Treatment
Pregnant women often feel discomfort because of bleeding gums. There are ways to prevent it or at least make less disturbing. It is essential to visit a dentist to treat any possible gum and cavity diseases.
A general examination could be done in the first trimester but it is not the best time for a teeth treatment. The usage of x-rays is not recommended during first weeks of pregnancy. The last trimester is also not good for that as it might be hard to lie still in the chair for a long time. All this makes the second trimester the best time for a dental treatment.
Influence of Mother’s Oral Health
A mother and a child have a daily contact so any infections from woman’s mouth can be passed to a child. The cavity-causing germs can spread through sharing food or when a baby puts a finger mother’s mouth. That is why it is important to cure any cavity diseases before giving birth.
Gum diseases can also be harmful to a baby as he shares the blood with the mother. Periodontal infections increase the risk of preterm birth and low weight of the newborn. All this can be prevented with a proper dental care.
The Importance Of A Diet
A diet has a huge impact on a mother’s dental health. It is better to refuse from the products like soda and sweets that cause cavities. A pregnant woman should prevent calcium deficiency that may harm baby’s teeth forming. Make sure you have an additional supply of calcium. It is not obligatory to take pills.
A lot of products like milk, cheese, beans, and vegetables are rich in calcium. Consider including this food in your meals to enrich the organism with calcium.
The Risk Of Tooth Erosion
The majority of women experience toxicosis during pregnancy. These metabolic disorders are so common that are often considered to be the first signs of pregnancy. Morning sickness, vomiting, and acid reflux may lead to the tooth erosion, loss of tooth structure caused by acids.
To protect the teeth from damage after vomiting a pregnant woman can rinse the mouth with water adding to it a teaspoon of baking soda. It is also possible to chew a gum to get rid of the acid. The enamel surface is very soft and fragile after vomiting. It is better to wait at least half an hour before brushing the teeth.
General Recommendations
A future mother has nothing to worry about if dental care is a part of her routine. Brushing and flossing every day is a good start. A pregnant woman might need a softer toothpaste with fluoride. The dentist can help you to choose the products that will be perfect for you personally. There are a lot of unreasonable fears about visiting dentist during pregnancy but it is safe and highly recommended.
An early dental checkup, balanced diet, supply of calcium, and hygienic procedures that reduce the acids’ impact is everything a pregnant woman needs to keep her and future child’s teeth healthy.