Good Oral Health During Pregnancy

Good oral health during pregnancy is vital to a healthy pregnancy. It not only provides a healthy environment for the baby to grow, but it also lowers the risk of gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth loss. 

Pregnant women often experience a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis, which causes swollen gums and bleeding when brushing their teeth. A variety of factors contribute to pregnancy gingivitis, including hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the mouth. This increased blood flow can cause a woman’s gums to become more sensitive and prone to inflammation.

When a pregnant woman experiences pregnancy gingivitis, she can experience both inflammation and infection of the gum tissues. This can increase the risk of tooth decay as well as gum disease. This causes her to be more at risk for periodontal disease. In fact, studies have shown that pregnant women are seven times more likely to have severe forms of periodontal disease than non-pregnant women.

If a patient has to undergo any type of dental treatment while pregnant, it’s important that they receive proper dental care to ensure their smile is healthy before, during, and after their pregnancy.

In addition to maintaining a good at-home oral care routine, it’s important for patients to receive regular checkups and cleanings during their pregnancy. This can help to prevent the development of more serious oral health issues that can arise when left untreated.

What Are the Risks to the Baby?

Treating gum disease during pregnancy is important, as your unborn child may be at risk for a number of health problems if periodontal disease is left untreated. Treatment for gum disease may include scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, or other dental procedures as necessary. Some pregnant women may be prescribed antibiotics or oral contraceptives to help treat their periodontal issues. However, it is especially important to talk to your doctor or dentist before starting any medications or taking any supplements when you are pregnant.

If your gums are inflamed and infected, your dentist may recommend that you have your gum tissues surgically removed from your mouth. Your dentist may also recommend extractions of teeth that have severe tooth decay in order to protect your oral health and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the oral cavity. These procedures are usually performed under local anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure.

The health of the baby is one of the most important factors that women need to consider during their pregnancy. Some oral health problems can adversely affect the health of the baby, causing complications such as low birth weight and premature birth. Studies have shown that women with gum disease were seven times more likely to have a preterm birth than women without gum disease.

Why Is It Important to Maintain Good Oral Health During Pregnancy?

To prevent cavities, pregnant women should also avoid brushing immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages such as soft drinks and fruit juices. These drinks are very high in sugar content and can erode tooth enamel. Instead, brush your teeth at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking these acidic foods and drinks. This will help prevent cavities from developing later on in pregnancy.

By practicing good oral hygiene during pregnancy, you can reduce your risk of many oral complications that could impact your unborn child’s development.

If you are looking for an expert dentist, go nowhere. Visit Table Mountain at 6410 Miller St #15, Arvada, CO 80004. Contact us at (720) 749-2711 for any questions or concerns you have. Also, schedule an appointment online to visit us.