There are a set of oral care guidelines specifically for pregnant women to assist them in maintaining healthy teeth and gums during their pregnancy and into the early stages of motherhood. Oral health care is important during pregnancy because mothers with gum disease have a higher instance of preterm birth.
This is a potentially serious pregnancy complication that may cause some concerns for their infant, typically due to a low birth weight. Pregnancy gingivitis is a common form of gum disease known to develop in almost half of all pregnant women.
Some studies show that this is a result of the change in hormones. When kept at-bay, pregnancy gingivitis generally ends shortly after the birth of the child, although it should be monitored by a dentist periodically during pregnancy in order to prevent this form of gingivitis from progressing into more serious periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an advanced and irreversible form of gum disease that has been linked with preterm birth. Pregnant mothers with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to go into preterm labor.
Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are usually bleeding, swollen, red, and tender gums. Good oral care during pregnancy could also be important to your fetus.
Some researchers have suggested that the serious stage of gum disease, periodontitis, could cause premature birth and low birth weight. In order to maintain the wellness of your mouth, you should visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
This is the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day to remove plaque.
Floss your teeth daily, as this will remove food debris from in between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help prevent gingivitis.
Brush or scrape your tongue daily to help remove bacteria and eat nutritious meals and healthy snacks. Counseling and early intervention by healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and dentists help provide expectant mothers with the tools and resources necessary to understand the importance of oral health care during pregnancy.
Removing the bacterial plaque, which researchers have connected to preterm birth and low birth-weight babies, is essential. Using the correct brushing and flossing methods greatly increase the amount of plaque that is removed from the teeth and gums.
The American Dental Association recommends the use of toothpaste with fluoride by persons over the age of six. Oral health guidelines have advised the continued use of fluoridated toothpaste during pregnancy.
They also recommend that you use an over-the-counter, alcohol-free fluoride rinse to help reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth. Expectant mothers should be educated about proper diet and nutrition during pregnancy so that they can limit unnecessary sugar intake and in turn, prevent plaque build-up.
Your eating habits greatly affect the condition of your mouth and the wellness of the baby and yourself. Make sure that you know what foods are good for you and baby, and which foods to avoid.
Expectant mothers are encouraged to have existing tooth decay treated during their pregnancy, which experts believe is a completely safe practice during pregnancy. Restoring decayed teeth will help achieve oral health by removing the bacteria associated with tooth decay.
Expectant mothers are discouraged from sharing food and utensils in order to prevent the transmission of the bacteria known to cause tooth decay. They are also encouraged to chew xylitol gum, as research suggests that chewing this type of gum may decrease the rate of tooth decay in children.
If you are pregnant or are considering pregnancy, discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist. Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant may want to consider their oral wellness before becoming pregnant.
Research suggests that treating existing gum disease in pregnant women does not reduce the instance of preterm birth. Despite this fact, experts insist that regular oral health care should continue throughout pregnancy.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and cherry hill dentist. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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