Congratulations on the new beginning! During pregnancy, taking a stand to maintain the overall wellness of mind, body, and soul is not just important but a necessity.
The better you care for yourself, the healthier your baby will be… this also includes oral hygiene.
Did you know?
Research has indicated that children of mothers who have high levels of untreated cavities or tooth loss are more likely to have cavities as a child.
Henceforth, dental care is very significant.
This blog aims to let all the moms-to-be, know about various dental challenges during pregnancy and how to mitigate such risks.
Dental Troubles During Pregnancy
With loads of hormonal changes and mood swings, a little callousness toward health are highly likely. This is the time when your oral health can get overlooked, if appropriate steps are not taken.
These changes not only disrupt your mental health but are also a threat to your dental health. Here are some dental troubles one can face during pregnancy—
1. Pregnancy Gingivitis
One of the most common dental issues during pregnancy is Gingivitis. If you’re experiencing any of the following — tender, swollen, or bleeding gum it indicates Gingivitis.
This inflammation happens because of a sudden increase in blood flow to the gum tissues, due to hormonal fluctuations. If left unchecked, it can trigger broader complications.
Effects of Pregnancy Gingivitis
a. Preterm birth or Low-weight birth.
b. Induced labor pain due to the release of certain bodily fluids.
2. Tooth Decay
Pregnancy can also instigate tooth decay in healthy teeth. The basic cause is abrupt eating habits during the pregnancy period. From cravings for sugary foods to salty snacking, and the dreaded morning sickness!
As the acidity level in the mouth increases with vomiting, the natural enamel of the tooth is destroyed stealthily, making teeth more delicate to decay. The main reason for such dental trouble is the disrupted production of saliva due to hormonal changes. Saliva works as a shield to overall oral organs while neutralizing the acids.
Possible effects of Tooth Decay on Pregnancy:
a. Transmission of cavity-causing bacteria from mother to child.
b. High chances of a child’s dental troubles in the future (genetic).
3. Pregnancy Tumors
During the second trimester, one can experience an overgrowth of tissue in the gums termed Pregnancy Tumors, medically known as pyogenic granulomas.
Although the mass is not cancerous, it can affect the fetus’s health. This gum tissue overgrowth is extremely painful and can interfere with normal eating, speaking, and regular oral hygiene practices. It can also affect your daily adequate nutrient consumption.
Usually, the condition resolves after the baby is born. However, if the growth is huge, care is required to surgically remove it under expert dentist supervision.
4. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth also known as xerostomia, is another discomforting condition often experienced by would-be moms due to dehydration or consumption of certain medications.
The best way to deal with this dental trouble is to increase fluid intake and conduct periodic professional teeth cleaning along with regular self-efforts.
5. Loose-end Teeth
This is a less-known yet significant oral trouble suffered by many to-be mothers. Consumption of certain medications enhances hormonal changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy. This affects the bones and ligaments holding the teeth strong. Thus, resulting in loose tooth mobility.
The situation is critical for brushing and flossing, and if not done with utmost care can lead to tooth loss. So, you must consult your dentist in Mississauga for personalized care and treatment if needed.
5 Dental Care Tips during Pregnancy
- Conduct regular dental check-ups (once every 3 months) and professional teeth cleaning
- Brush or wash your mouth with fluoride-infused toothpaste or mouthwash
- Chew sugar-free gum as chewing helps in saliva production
- Eat food rich in minerals, vitamins, and calcium
- Stay hydrated to reduce acid buildup in the mouth and bad breath
How Visiting an Expert Dentist in Mississauga, 2275 Britannia Rd. can Help You With Your Dental Care During Pregnancy?
1. Specialized Care
With their thorough analyzing capability, they can offer insights into dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle adjustments to mitigate the risk of dental issues during this critical period.
2. Early Detection
An experienced dentist is adept at early detection of oral health issues. By closely monitoring changes in the gums, teeth, and oral tissues, they can identify potential risks such as pregnancy tumors or gingivitis, facilitating prompt intervention and management.
During pregnancy, an expectant mother will experience so many changes: physical and psychological. In order to ensure the baby’s good health, consider maintaining good oral hygiene during those 9 months.
As mentioned, follow those simple yet effective practices daily, and Dr. Beena George Dentistry in Britannia, Mississauga, will guide you for collaborative total dental care. Your teeth and dental issues will not only be taken care of, but you will be also enlightened about postpartum oral health care for both you and your newborn. Smile brightly together!
