During pregnancy, hormonal changes within your body not only affect your growing baby but also your teeth and gums. The constant flashes of hormones may result in your gums being irritated and inflamed.
Of even much concern is the recent findings on the link between the prevalence of gum disease in pregnant women and premature births will low birth weights. Bad oral health may put your baby at risk of a number of health conditions if not arrested early enough. The research recorded up to 18 premature births in every 100 were caused by gum disease.
Gum disease worsens during pregnancy. It would be prudent to consult your dentist before, during and after the pregnancy. This will minimize the risk and also protect your baby. The effects of pregnancy on oral health cannot be wished away.
Before Pregnancy
It is vital to take care of your teeth before becoming pregnant. Regular and thorough brushing of teeth daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is a start. You may also consider fixing an appointment with your dentist before getting pregnant.
The visit will help you have your dental treatment before, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. You will also minimize the risk of having a premature underweight baby. Additionally, it would be comfortable and more convenient to take up dental treatments. Sensitive teeth in early pregnancy couple up with morning sickness may deter you from seeking the treatments later on.
During Pregnancy
Routine check-ups with your dentist while paged will have a huge impact on pregnancy and dental related problems. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, fix an appointment with your private dentist. You may ask the dentist to check out the health of your teeth and gums. The treatment offered should be carefully selected as some medications such as tetracycline antibiotics may affect your baby’s developing teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene throughout pregnancy is vital. Regular brushing and flossing reduce the risk of a bacterial infection and the development of gingivitis. You get to keep your baby safe while having a healthy and bright smile.
After the pregnancy
Super sensitive teeth after pregnancy are quite common. As your body readjusts to normal hormonal levels, the irritations slowly fade away. It is important to keep up with your biannual appointments with your dentist even after your bundle of joy has arrived.
Looking after your teeth while pregnant
Good dental hygiene is even more important during pregnancy. It will help you manage the extra sensitive teeth during the period. Here are some tips to help you take care of your teeth:
- Drink plenty of tap water– Water plays a crucial part in maintaining healthy gums and teeth. The fluoride present in the tap water strengthens your teeth and enamel. It will also prevent a dry mouth thus arresting teeth decay and development of gingivitis. Sucking on ice chips may help keep your mouth hydrated as well as relieve the nasty pregnancy nausea.
- Eat healthy natural foods rich in calcium– It is vital to maintain a balanced diet throughout the pregnancy. Foods rich in calcium would be a preferred option. The calcium provides for proper growth of your baby’s teeth and bones. Calcium may be sourced from leafy green vegetables, milk, cheese and even dried beans.
- Limit your love for the sweet tooth– Sugary and starchy food should be limited during pregnancy. The sugar cause “acid attacks” on your teeth leading to super sensitive teeth during pregnancy. The starch food if not well brushed may lead to the development of periodontal diseases after breakdown by bacteria.
- Brush at least twice daily– Maintaining healthy teeth and gums may require a strict regimen on regular brushing of teeth. As the teeth may become sore and sensitive from the pregnancy, you may consider using the soft toothbrush for kids. Make sure you use a fluoride toothpaste that will wash away the plaque. If the toothpaste makes you nauseated, change brands till you find the one that you are most comfortable with.
- Floss daily– Using your dental floss will help you clean in between the teeth and remove food debris hidden away. Flossing at least once a day will go a long way in preventing plaque development.
- Visit your dentist for check-ups– A dental appointment will help you get your teeth inspected and cleaned. X-ray treatment should be avoided as much as possible. The dentist will also offer advice on proper dental hygiene techniques for a healthy mum and baby.
If you still have more questions about how to maintain your teeth during pregnancy, please visit the informative Muswell Hill Smile Blog.
