Pregnancy is a crucial time for mothers to be. Its either you’re too tired because of hormonal changes or you’re blown out of the water with the necessary steps to take ranging from the baby’s necessity, pre natal check- ups to that of post partum procedures and examination. It’s a usual scenario for pregnant women to let their dental appointments re-scheduled due to lack of time and many pregnant women don’t even bother to visit their dentist even if they’re having problems. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and with the use of dental floss daily plays an important role in maintaining a healthy gums and teeth as well as maintaining a healthy pregnancy. And if dental problems may arise, it’s better to consult your dentist immediately.
Symptoms of gum disease during pregnancy include: red, puffy, very tender and swollen gums; bleeding gums during brushing or flossing and persistent bad breath or foul taste. If any of the following symptoms is present, it is important to visit dentist as soon as possible.
Blood flow increases by 30 to 50 percent during pregnancy. A drawback from this increased blood flow is that bacteria and other opportunistic microorganisms at the gumline get lots of nutrition and even if you weren’t susceptible to gums disorder before pregnancy, you might observe inflamed gums that might bleed upon brushing. Bleeding gums is a minor problem during pregnancy. Increased level of estrogen and progesterone also contribute to gum sensitivity and inflammation thus called “Pregnancy gingitivis”. Research shows that gum disease may harm your baby’s condition. Women with severe gum diseases are up to seven times more likely to deliver premature babies compared to women with healthy gums. Women with gum problems such as gingivitis may deliver early, have smaller babies regardless if they are pre-term or full term, and were more than three times as likely to deliver babies with low birth weight. Gingivitis can lead to premature birth when bacteria enter your blood circulation through your mouth thus your body responds to infection producing prostaglandins which may begin early labor. Prostaglandins can cause uterine contraction and may send you into early labor.
While you are pregnant, you must follow some important guidelines to avoid further complications. First, inform your dentist if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. This will help your dentist in planning your dental treatments and procedure. Second, as precautionary measures, dental treatments during the first and second half of third trimester should be avoided. These are critical times for babies’ growth and development since vital organs are still developing. Third, tell your dentist regarding the medicines that you are taking. There are certain drugs that can affect the development of your child’s teeth thus your dentist may need to alter you dental treatment plan. Fourth, avoid dental x-rays during pregnancy. The American Dental Association recommends avoiding routine x-rays during pregnancy. If x-rays are needed, your dentist will use extreme caution to protect you and your baby. Lastly, follow good oral hygiene practices and eat a healthy balanced diet. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and brush your teeth properly. Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and essential minerals that are good for baby’s developing teeth and gums.
Make a dental visit before getting pregnant. This is very vital on your part so that your dentist can carefully examined your gum and oral cavity and if any oral problems may arise, this can be treated in advance thus minimizing the risk of your baby and the mother as well.
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