As the months pass, you may encounter a slew of new and frequently unpleasant health conditions. Many of the symptoms you may experience are typically dismissed as “simply because you’re pregnant,” such as swollen feet and an aversion to previously enjoyed meals. However, concerns with your dental health that you may experience while pregnant should not be neglected, as they may cause more problems for you or your baby later.
The Dental Implant San Diego has given six things you should know about your oral health during pregnancy to keep your body and mouth healthy:
1. Gum disease and bleeding gums
Because of the changes in hormonal levels that occur during pregnancy, your body will react differently to bacteria on your teeth (plaque). Swollen and bleeding gums, as well as more serious forms of gum disease including periodontitis and pregnancy gingivitis, might result from this. Gum disease has been linked to poor pregnancy outcomes, including a higher chance of pre-eclampsia, early birth, and giving birth to a child that is underweight. As a result, it is critical that pregnant women pay attention to any early indicators of gum disease and seek treatment from a dental professional as soon as possible.
2. Gum disease treatment
If you have indicators of gum disease, such as periodontitis or gingivitis, you should know that you can treat it safely while pregnant. This therapy entails a dental health specialist providing a deep clean beneath the gums to eradicate any bacteria; the only dangers are minor gum discomfort, which you would experience even if you weren’t pregnant.
3. Preventative measures
When it comes to your dental health, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to looking after your mouth, and this is especially true when you’re pregnant. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and at least once more throughout the day, daily interdental cleaning, and regular visits to the dentist, all of which are free under the NHS. At the same time, you are pregnant and are all part of a good oral health regimen.
4. Nutrition
Diet is one of the most simple improvements you can make to improve your oral and general health. Cutting back on how much and how often you consume sugar can significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay and improve many other aspects of your health. Switching to fresh fruits and veggies is a terrific method to take care of your teeth while also taking care of you and your kid.
5. Anaesthesia and X-rays
Always inform your dentist if you are expecting a child, especially if an x-ray is required. In most cases, your dentist will wait until after you give birth. X-rays during pregnancy pose no dangers to your unborn children, such as miscarriage or birth defects. Still, frequent radiation exposure can damage the body’s cells over time, raising cancer risk. X-rays are shallow doses of radiation, thus providing a very low danger of exposing the unborn infant to radiation during pregnancy.
6. Antibiotics and pain relievers
When pregnant, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol and antibiotics is normally safe. Before starting any new medicine while pregnant, please consult your doctor to ensure it is safe.
To avoid potential complications, keeping on top of your oral health while pregnant is critical. If you need any additional information, call the San Diego Smile Center Office at (858) 566-0842 or email info@sandiegosmilecenter.com.