Once you become pregnant, your oral hygiene becomes more important than ever-after all, it directly affects the health of you and even your baby. As your body changes, so does your need for extra care in your teeth and gums.
As your pregnancy goes on, your gums may change a little bit-sometimes they become red and even bleed. Others experience swelling, and may even develop gingivitis, which is quite dangerous.
Your increased hormone levels can contribute to this disease, and cause decay. This is partly because your progesterone levels are ten times higher than they would normally be.
These levels can even enhance the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which also contributes to disease and decay. To avoid this problem, you will need to take special measures to take the health of your mouth to the next level.
Be sure to brush twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. Flossing is equally important and should be done on a daily basis, if not after every meal.
Using an antimicrobial mouth is also a good idea, and can control the infection of gums.
Make sure that you visit your dentist regularly, so that they can check the health of your mouth, and find any problems before they become harmful to you or the baby.
Regular cleaning sessions are more important than ever. If you are vomiting frequently due to your morning sickness, you may find that there is erosion of the enamel on your teeth.
Make sure that you brush your teeth right after you vomit, and rinse them thoroughly. You may even want to take an antacid to make sure that the acid will not degrade your enamel.
Many pregnant women also complain of dry mouth. You can combat dry mouth by drinking plenty of water, and by using sugarless hard candies or gum to stimulate saliva secretion and keep your mouth moist.
Ironically and much less frequently, some women feel they have too much saliva in their mouths. This condition occurs very early in a pregnancy.
It disappears by the end of the first trimester, and it is usually nothing to worry about. Be sure to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of protein, calcium, and vitamins A, C and D.
Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, to help strengthen your enamel. When you use mouthwash, keep in mind that some dentists suggest using a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol.
There is not really enough conclusive data about whether this is harmful or not, but some women feel it is better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to use it as the bottle dictates.
The second trimester is the best time to receive routine dental care. It is better to put off an unnecessary procedures until after you give birth, in case of any complications.
Try to avoid dental visits during the first trimester and the last half of the third trimester.
During the first trimester, the fetus's organ systems are developing, and the fetus is highly sensitive to influences from the environment.
In the last half of the third trimester, there is some risk of premature delivery because the uterus is sensitive to external influences as well.
In addition, at the end of your pregnancy, it can be uncomfortable to sit in a dentist's chair.
After you are about twenty weeks along, pregnant women should not lie on their backs for long periods of time because this can put pressure on large blood vessels and cause changes in circulation.
Your dentist should consult with your obstetrician or midwife if there are questions about the safety of medicines or anesthesia.
When it comes to getting X-rays with your exam, you may be wondering if this is safe for your baby. Advances in technology have made dental X-rays much safer.
Studies have shown that using a lead apron will protect you and your fetus from radiation. However, most professionals do not recommend X-rays if you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.
X-rays usually are taken if they are needed for diagnosis or treatment that cannot wait until after the baby is born. No matter what your dentist recommends or says is ok, make sure that you do what feels right and comfortable to you.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and cosmetic dentist in Santa Cruz. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
Contact Info:
Ronald Pedactor
RonaldPedactor09@gmail.com
http://www.DrJohnBaron.com
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