Dental Care During Pregnancy
Carrying a new life within you is a beautiful feeling; there is a radiant glow across your face and a vibrant inner bliss. Due to the various hormonal secretions the body undergoes changes like the gums tend to become swollen, tender and even bleed. Almost 50% of pregnant women undergo this phenomenon especially while brushing or flossing. Oral health during pregnancy is vital for a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy – Dental Problems
Increased level of hormones causes an intensified supply of blood to the mouth leading to swollen, extra-sensitive and inflamed gums. These same hormones also leave your mouth more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque, both of which make your gums all the more tender. The condition where the gums tend to bleed easily and become bright red and sore is called Pregnancy Gingivitis, which is a mild and relatively harmless gum disease. Various symptoms of Pregnancy Gingivitis range from tender, swollen gums and mouth sores to persistent bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth that won’t go away. If not carefully watched it can worsen to periodontitis, which is a severe condition, it also increases the risk of having a premature or low-birthweight baby.
Morning sickness is also a reason for bleeding gums, lots of women cannot tolerate the smell or taste of toothpaste leading to a decline in oral hygiene. Nausea and excessive vomiting also contributes to the deterioration of the gums. Vomit comprises of gastric acids which eat into teeth and gums leading to over sensitization of gums.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
Ensuring good oral hygiene is key for a healthy pregnancy. Brushing your teeth regularly for 4-5 minutes using a good bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can ward off gum ailments. Brushing after vomiting is also advisable to prevent the action of gastric acids. Maintaining a healthy diet reduces the vulnerability of gums. Control the intake of food and beverages that contain sugar and ensure a sufficient amount of water intake. This would cut down on plaque and tartar buildup. Inducing a good dose of vitamin C with citrus fruits helps you enhance your overall diet; it also helps you keep a check on bleeding gums. Completely avoid the usage of tobacco as it heralds Gingivitis. Increase your intake of calcium through your diet with foods high in calcium, or take calcium in supplemental form. Some foods high in calcium include leafy green vegetables, sea vegetables, soybeans and cultured yogurt.
Oral health should be kept a priority before and during pregnancy. It is easy to let some of the preventative type health measures you take in life to go by the wayside when your focus is your baby. Don’t be alarmed, but if your gums are bleeding, especially excessively, talk to your doctor about it.
