What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know About Her Oral Health

Oral health is one of the most important things that need to be considered when getting prenatal care. Poor oral health during pregnancy can result in health concerns both for the mother and the baby. That is why it is important for pregnant women to get regular dental cleaning and have their teeth and gums checked.

In this post, we are going to discuss what you need to know about oral health during pregnancy:

Pregnancy and Cavities

It is believed that during pregnancy a woman's body produces hormones that increase the risk for tooth decay. While you are pregnant, you may find your teeth and mouth feel more sensitive and you may even get small white, yellow or brown spots on your teeth. 

Although it is a myth, pregnant women are not more likely than anyone else to get cavities. One study found no difference in the number of cavities and amount of tooth decay in pregnant and non-pregnant women. The study found an association between pregnancy and cavities when pregnant women were not taking prenatal vitamins. Pregnant women should take a daily prenatal vitamin to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition throughout the pregnancy.

Another thing to keep in mind during pregnancy is that pregnant women can get a dry mouth, leading to less saliva flow. Saliva has important functions, including cleansing your teeth and protecting them against decay. When there is less saliva, the acid in your mouth has more time to attack enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. This can cause decay during pregnancy. It is important that you maintain good oral hygiene to avoid cavities during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by the harmful bacteria that form plaque on your teeth. Left untreated, this plaque buildup can cause increased bleeding and inflammation, leading to gum disease and tooth loss. 

Pregnant women with periodontal disease may be more likely to have a low-birth-weight baby and deliver prematurely. It has also been found that children of mothers with periodontal disease have a higher risk of developing oral health problems.

Proper Dental Care During Pregnancy

Since pregnant women have certain oral health concerns, there are a few things you should do to maintain good oral health:

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. This will help to remove plaque, which can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease.

• See your dental hygienist very three months during your pregnancy. This will help prevent periodontal problems and determine if you have any oral health issues.

• You may also want to choose an oral rinse. This can help take your brushing routine to the next level.

• Avoid sweets and other food that put you at a higher risk of getting cavities or breaking your teeth such as cookies and candy.

• Drink plenty of water. This will help to prevent dry mouth.

Conclusion

During your pregnancy, it is important that you receive proper dental care. Poor oral health can lead to serious health concerns both for the mother and baby. It is important to practice good oral hygiene to protect your teeth and your oral health and to get regular dental hygiene services from your trusted dental hygienist. Talk to your doctor or dental professional to learn more about oral health concerns during pregnancy. 

MobileDent offers professional dental cleaning in the greater Toronto area  from an experienced dental hygienist you can trust. Contact us today and schedule your appointment!