How important is dental care during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is such a beautiful journey that lets you have your own set of difficulties and challenges. Maintenance of dental care, though important in the process, is often missed. Oral health is considered key even during pregnancy. It is therefore worthwhile to determine how dental care takes on a more intense role in the phase of pregnancy to help in the maintenance of health for both baby and mother.

One such time at which changes are abundant happening in the body is in the case of pregnancy which may lead to oral problems. The most strenuous fight against susceptibility that women suffer is in the case of gum disease and tooth decay and other conditions found in the mouth. Change in hormones within the body makes women change due to variants of hormones that make multiplication of bacteria within the mouth. Coupled with their cravings for sweet licks, it normally leads to tooth decay and gum diseases.

It is a dental disease, but gum disease during pregnancy will have implications on the health of the baby. All the studies have indicated that gum disease suffered by pregnant women has a direct consequence of baby being born with lower weight than expected and also possibilities of being born prematurely. Babies born early and with low birth weight likely experience many complications in their health. Most of the complications range from the inability to breathe, to some extents on developmental changes, among many others.

The pregnant woman’s body is week on its immune system. Thus, the risk of infection for pregnant women is much graver than that of others. Development of gum disease in the body causes much more serious diseases and problems. Therefore, it is indispensable for pregnant women to keep their mouths clean and prevent diseases such as gum disease.

A few tips for an expectant mother to take care of her teeth and gums:

• Brush your teeth at least two times a day: While brushing the teeth use fluoride at least two times a day. Brush each section of the mouth for two minutes.
• The mouthwash removes bacteria, which cause halitosis and gum diseases within the mouth. Special mouthwashes for pregnant women are available.
• Clean your teeth using a brush and floss at least once a day: Oral flossing should also be included in dental care aside from brushing your teeth. This way, food debris between your teeth and plaque can be taken out. Avoid sugary foods: They could cause tooth decay and gum diseases. Try to decrease the amount of sugar drinks and food and instead opt for healthier snacks.
• Regular dental check-up: A pregnant woman must visit her dentist often. Make it known to your dentist that you are pregnant so that necessary care is observed.
• Besides oral health practice, here are several other things pregnant women can do to ensure good dental health.
• Good diet: The foremost way to achieve good dental health is by having an ideal diet that contains whole grains, fruits, and several vegetables
• Many quantities of water should be taken internally for the rinsing out of food particles and bacteria in the mouth resulting from chewing.
• Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva production that will be able to neutralize the acids existing in the mouth thus reducing tooth deca
• However, taking prenatal vitamins ensures that you acquire all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy during pregnancy.

Dental health care during pregnancy is useful both to the expectant mother and to the baby. The pregnant woman stays healthy and gives a healthy pregnancy and baby.