During Pregnancy, we often make many lifestyle adjustments, like stopping smoking, limiting coffee, stopping our love for medium-rare steak, and maybe trying to exercise more each day.
Pregnancy can aggravate common dental problems like gingivitis, periodontitis or cavities. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists say that as many as 40 percent of woman experience dental problems while pregnant.
Why would pregnancy complicate common dental problems?
One of the most common dental problems during pregnancy is pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis can cause your gums to be red, swollen and to bleed easily. Sometimes a benign tumor will appear in the mouth which may go away after delivery.
Pregnancy Gingivitis is caused from the increase of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy, which causes an exaggerated response to the plaque that is already in your mouth. The reaction of your body to the toxins normally released from the plaque is exaggerated.
Diligent flossing and brushing may not be enough to alleviate the problem. Left untreated, periodontal disease can develope. Studies have shown that periodontal disease increases your risk for preterm birth and low birth weight for your baby.
Here is a plan to help prevent dental problems while pregnant:
Brush and Floss
This is the obvious first step. Brushing after every meal and flossing at least once daily is the best way to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Using an alcohol free rinse can help here also.
See Your Dentist
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)approximately 35 percent of women had not seen a dentist within the year prior to becoming pregnant and more than 50 percent had not seen a dentist while pregnant.
If you are planning to get pregnant see your dentist first.
Teeth Cleaning Every Six Months
Research shows that teeth cleaning during pregnancy poses no risk to you or your baby, and regular dental cleanings are your best line of defense against pregnancy induced dental diseases. Every 6 months is an ideal interval, but your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if you have a history of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Remember, most dental insurance plans provide for regular teeth cleaning at no charge to you. Not even a co-pay in many cases.
Eat Right
Eating right during pregnancy sometimes is not the easiest of things, especially if you are challenged with morning sickness. Try to avoid sticky foods and stay with fiber-filled fruits and vegetables, nuts and cheeses. If you drink soda or coffee with sugar, have some, but try to avoid sipping on it all day long.
The Magic of Saliva
Saliva is the greatest natural defense mechanism we have against common oral hygiene problems. If it’s been hours between brushing, chewing a sugar free gum can increase saliva flow, which can help wash away food particles, neutralize plaque acids and help fight bacteria.
Remember, including your dentist in your pregnancy planning or management is a great way to get your baby off to a healthy start in life.
