Pregnancy is a magical time of life some considerable change and excitement await the families. Your body is experiencing a bunch of changes to accommodate the growing baby and it is important not to neglect your oral health. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can inflame your gums and teeth, thus maintaining oral hygiene is necessary during pregnancy as suggested by dental care in El Dorado Hills. In this post, we list down some extensive tips on pregnancy oral health care, it will take you through steps that you can take from before you even get pregnant; to a flawless smile and health later on in your life, whenever that is.
Oral Health and Pregnancy
Hormonal changes put you at an increased risk of gum disease which has been associated with pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Pregnancy cravings and morning sickness can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Good oral hygiene prevents cavities and other oral problems. Great oral health makes a positive difference to general wellness besides preventing infections that can be harmful to not only the mother but the baby as well.
Oral Problems Ladies Experience While Pregnant
The hormone changes during pregnancy can make your gums red, swollen, and bleed easily. In a majority of pregnant women, this condition appears between the second and eighth month and is called pregnancy gingivitis. Gingivitis during pregnancy may cause a certain type of concern referred to as pregnancy tumors, which are not cancerous growths between the teeth. These are non-cancerous and typically go away after you have the baby.
Addressing Oral Health Problems
How to deal with oral health problems in pregnancy? If you experience certain oral health problems while you are pregnant, you may be asking what you can do about them:
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Gingivitis during pregnancy:
Avoid spicy food and have soothing drinks like coconut water. You can try a gentle brush (and floss) your teeth. If you see a great deal of swelling, redness, or bleeding, your dentist will give you the best professional cleaning and more advice.
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Diet:
Limit sugary snacks and maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent tooth decay. If you think you might have a cavity, talk to your dentist about the most appropriate treatments during your dental visit.
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Pregnancy tumors:
In case you develop pregnancy tumors, stick to your oral hygiene routine and try to prevent irritating the growths. These tumors will often go away spontaneously following delivery, however, if they are causing pain or interference with eating, ask your dentist.
Postpartum Oral Health Care
Oral health is not restricted to when your baby is still in your tummy. Here are some postpartum oral care tips:
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Follow Up with Dental Care:
Make sure to follow up with the dentist once the baby is born to take good care of your oral health which might have suffered during your pregnancy time.
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Oral Hygiene:
Brush and floss daily, with a fluoride toothpaste/slow down to keep your smile plaque-free.
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Keep Track of Your Baby’s Oral Health:
Look after your baby’s oral health by wiping down their gums with a clean, damp cloth from the start. From the time those first teeth start to make an appearance, a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste and a small soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Eating Well:
Provide yourself with balanced nutrition to help maintain your oral health and your body, especially during breastfeeding.
In conclusion, your baby is your topmost priority when you are pregnant and therefore you have to take care of yourself and your baby by maintaining oral health. A healthy smile is the exact goal you aim to achieve during this delicate stage so, brush, floss, eat well, and drink enough water to avoid common dental problems. Nothing can replace good dental care and advice from a dentist so certainly reach out to your dentist for recommendations and care! All of this can easily be handled while pregnant by adapting just a few of our techniques and still maintaining an environment where you can keep that beautiful smile throughout your pregnancy.
