Dental Health During Pregnancy
Posted on: February 22, 2021 | Body, Health
A pink tinge sat on the bristles of the toothbrush she held in front of her. Claudia placed an inquizitive index finger into her mouth landing on her pearly whites. A slight sting of discomfort occurred to the touch.”What is that all about?” Clauida asked out loud. Her last dental check up was pristine, and she wasn’t due for another visit for another 4 months. Claudia was going to learn about dental health during pregnancy, and what she can do to maintain a healthy mouth.
Why Dental Health is Important During Pregnancy
Dental health during pregnancy is important for many reasons. The extra vitamins and minerals needed to develop a healthy fetus, is also important to the vessel that is gestating. During pregnancy, it is not uncommon for gingivitis to become prevalent. Gingivitis is an early onset of a periodontal condition that causes bleeding and inflamed gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can affect the pregnancy. Receding gum lines, lost teeth, and toothaches are other effects of poor dental health during pregnancy.
How Pregnancy Affects Dental Health
During pregnancy, teeth can become brittle and weak resulting in loose or the loss of teeth. Pregnancy also puts women at a higher risk for cavities. This has been linked to changes in eating habits (and those indulgent cravings).Gum disease can cause premature birth due to the nature
If suffering from severe morning sickness, or hyperemesis gravidarum, the impact of constant vomiting can break down tooth enamel causing the tooth to be exposed to foods and stomach acids.
Pregnancy Hormones Impact During Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for the development of the female reproductive system. Progesterone is the hormone that aids in stimulating the uterus for pregnancy and breastfeeding. These hormones work together in gestation bringing more blood flow to the gum causing extra sensitivity.
Preventing Problems During Pregnancy
Like your dentist has stressed for years in your childhood: brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and routinely making your dental check ups are ways to keep dental health during pregnancy on it’s toes. Limiting foods that are high in acidity and sugars, are another defender of dental health during pregnancy. If you notice an onset prevalent of bad breath, tooth pain, or tooth sensitivity while in the pregnancy, be sure to contact your provider for a check up to rule out any underlying dental health conditions.
Sweets have always been kryptonite for Claudia. Knowing that her indulgences could have a bigger impact on her dental health while pregnant than before, she decided to make some changes in her daily habits to ensure her oral health remained in tip-top shape. Besides, she didn’t endure 3 years of braces hell in middle school for nothing, her smile was her going to keep shining bright.