Why Is Dental Care Important During Pregnancy?
Dental health decision is an essential part of your overall health but gains added importance during pregnancy. While you might be excited about the prospect of welcoming your new baby, your condition puts you at risk of some dental health problems that might impact your pregnancy, causing premature birth.
If you are pregnant or planning on it, you must discuss your condition with your primary healthcare provider and your dentist as you receive regular dental checkups during this exciting and delicate period.
How Does Your Dental Health Affect Your Pregnancy?
Dental health, alternatively called oral health, refers to your oral cavity, including your mouth, teeth, and gums. When you are pregnant dental health is an essential part of your prenatal care, making it necessary to follow general dental care tips suggested by your dentist.
You risk developing oral health issues during pregnancy, and the problems affecting you can adversely impact your pregnancy. For example, studies revealed an association between premature birth and gum disease. In addition, giving birth to babies before 37 weeks might make the baby vulnerable to health problems at birth and later than babies arriving in a timely fashion. Therefore when you care for your teeth, mouth, and gums during your pregnancy, the attention helps you have a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
The Effects of Pregnancy on Your Dental Health
Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect your teeth and gums for many reasons. For example, an increase in hormones like progesterone and estrogen in the body during pregnancy enhance your risk of some dental health problems. Pregnancy also encourages changes in your diet to make you favor some foods over others. As a result, the food you have impacts your dental health. The excitement of pregnancy might result in neglect of dental care because you might reduce brushing and flossing to alleviate exhaustion, tenderness in your gums, and nausea. The changes enhance your risk of dental problems during pregnancy.
You might become vulnerable to infections like tooth decay, making it likely to develop cavities and pass your mouth bacteria to the fetus putting your baby at risk during and after birth. In addition, the passing of the bacteria to the fetus of the unborn baby can affect the child’s life later.
You must ensure you care for your oral hygiene appropriately to prevent pregnancy gingivitis affecting nearly 70 percent of all pregnant women. The increase in hormone levels in the body also increases the risk of developing gum disease, which can progress to severe periodontitis if left untreated.
Besides the above, you might also be exposed to the risks of developing pregnancy tumors that appear like lumps between your teeth and gums because you might have excess plaque on your teeth. If you are affected by morning sickness, the chances of developing enamel erosion are also higher because of the acids you throw up.
Preventing Dental Health Issues during Pregnancy
You must remember to get frequent dental checkups before and during pregnancy and remain in touch with the dentist in Chicago without fail. During your six-monthly exams, provide the dentist information about whether you are pregnant or planning on pregnancy.
Your dentist must receive information about medications you take, including over-the-counter pain relievers, herbals, or supplements. If you have chronic health issues, you can develop complications from an earlier pregnancy, or the conditions that might harm you and your baby, the Chicago dentist must receive the information.
Dental exams and cleanings before and after pregnancy are all essential to help your dentist detect and treat infections you might develop with your teeth and gums.
The Safety of Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy
Contrary to the popular perception about x-rays being unsafe during pregnancy because of radiation, updated technology available to dentists ensure pregnant women are exposed to no radiation. Taking dental x-rays is a breeze and merely requires placing a tiny plate in the mouth when taking pictures of your teeth and gums. If you need x-rays for a painful procedure, dentists ensure they cover you with a lead apron and collar for your protection and the baby.
Preventive Care during Pregnancy
Preventive care becomes incredibly essential during pregnancy, making it imperative for you to brush and floss your teeth using fluoride toothpaste without exceptions. If you find it challenging to brush because of nausea, you can request your dentist for remedies they suggest after examining you. However, you shouldn’t consider taking any over-the-counter pills without recommendations or advice from your dentist. Studies reveal your baby’s teeth begin developing between three and six months during your term, and they need healthy foods with vitamins C, A, & D.
Most importantly, you must quit smoking if you are accustomed to the habit to prevent infections like gum disease from affecting you during your pregnancy.
Caring for your physical and dental health is a requirement you cannot overlook during pregnancy. If you are planning on pregnancy or are pregnant Dental Impressions can help you with your dental health during your sensitive but exciting term. Please do not hesitate to contact this practice for advice on caring for your dental hygiene during your pregnancy today.