How pregnancy affects state of the teeth
Everybody knows that a woman’s body goes through certain changes during pregnancy. All its efforts are directed at nurturing a healthy child which requires a lot of minerals and vitamins. The lack of those can lead to problems with teeth and gums: gingivitis and periodontitis, cavities and teeth decay. But is it a baby to blame?
Until recently, it was assumed that pregnant women have dental problems because a fetus is taking all the calcium supply of the body for its own needs. But rest assured: it is just a misconception! Even if a woman doesn’t have an adequate diet and baby suffers from a calcium deficiency, it’ll pull the necessary dose of the mineral from mommy’s bones, not her teeth!
It is essential not only to follow the dental hygiene routine but also to choose a well-balanced diet during the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding. That will provide both mother and child with the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals.
What causes the problems with teeth and gums then?
- The main reason is incorrect oral hygiene before and during pregnancy. Even those who have always taken a good care of their teeth and paid regular visits to the dentist may start getting lazy during pregnancy: not brushing their teeth after frequent snacks which leads to fast accumulation of plaque containing bacteria in oral cavity; not going to the dentist upon noticing the problem in fear that it would harm the baby.
- Doing any of these things is completely wrong! On the contrary, it is necessary to look after your teeth twice more thoroughly during pregnancy. You should brush your teeth after every, even minuscule, snack; use an oral irrigator or dental floss to clean spaces between your teeth; rinse your mouth with the mouthwash that strengthens the gums and disinfects the mouth cavity. If you get cavities or bleeding gums, don’t hesitate to go to the dentist’s: modern technologies are making dental treatment absolutely safe and painless even during pregnancy. Moreover, a qualified doctor will offer you a treatment judging not only by the condition of your teeth but also by what week you are on. After all, this is what determines the limits of what is allowed at the moment.
The optimum moment to consult a dentist during pregnancy is during the second trimester. The baby’s main organs have already formed, so it’s OK to use anaesthesia, make an X-ray if necessary, fill the cavities, pull a tooth. During the first or the last three months of the pregnancy, dental treatment is possible to perform only in cases of emergency. Festering inflammation or severe pain can be dangerous both for the child and for the mother. - Toxicosis is also one of the reasons for caries formation during pregnancy. Vomit from morning sickness contains gastric acid (also the gastric acid is released when you feel heartburn), which contributes to the damage of teeth enamel. Without it, teeth are exposed to caries.
- Of course, the hormones influence the state of the oral cavity of a pregnant woman too. Change in hormonal balance may cause infective inflammation or speed up the formation of dental plaque. To avoid gingivitis or periodontosis during pregnancy (or minimize consequences) you should not only regularly brush your teeth but also go to the professional teeth cleaning at a clinic.
- Yet another important aspect – a correct diet. Better consult a nutritionist on what is good for you and what isn’t. All in all, it’s better to cut down on sweeter foods, especially if it’s something prone to sticking to the teeth. Eat more dairy products, fruit, vegetables, low-fat fish and meat. Beans are also beneficial for health, along with different types of cabbage and spinach. If you get the diet right, there won’t be any danger for your teeth and bones and the child will get all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
The dentist’s recommendations for all occasions: never, under any circumstances, neglect the hygiene of the oral cavity; brush your teeth regularly, use oral irrigator and modern electric toothbrush. Don’t forget to pay a visit to your dentist at least twice a year even if everything appears to be in order, better safe than sorry. Occasionally go for professional teeth whitening. The most modern way to do away with plaque and tartar buildup is an ultrasound cleaning and Air Flow. If you follow such simple advice, be assured, the pregnancy won’t catch you unaware and become a problem for your teeth.
Book a consultation in Dental Family Bushin to learn more. Our clinic is equipped with all the latest technologies. The highly qualified professionals will make your visit to a dentist painless and pleasant!
