A good gestation and positive health of babies demand good oral health. During the gestation period, any oral cavity requires extra care. Pregnancy is the most beautiful time in womanhood. The focus of the ‘to-be-mother’ revolves in taking care of the growing fetus and immediate attention. So, every pregnant woman needs to be extra cautious, physically, as well as orally. An early morning sickness and food cravings are standard features during the pregnancy period. But all these associated with improper hygiene affects oral health negatively. The mother needs to keep a strict vigil on her oral health by avoiding any complications while pregnant, as well as the postnatal period.
Pregnancy Related and Oral Health Problems
● Early Morning Sickness: During the gestation period, early morning sickness happens due to a sudden increase in hormones. It results in certain metabolic transformations. Although it is a known fact that the same never harms the health of the baby and the mother, it has its after-effects on the mother’s oral health. According to various statistical reports, more than 60-65% of ‘mother-to-be’ falls prey to morning sickness. The actualities of morning sickness consist of nausea and frequent vomiting. It occurs during the morning time. Generally, it lasts during the first trimester of the gestation period. The inflow of stomach acid inside the dental cavity results in the softening of the tooth’s enamel. A continuous exposure duly causes fast tooth degeneration and increases sensitivity. Avoid brushing just after you vomit. It will instead harm the tooth enamel, resulting in quick erosion of the unstiffened tooth’s top layer.
● Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the most common tooth ailment during pregnancy. Studies suggest that 70-75% of pregnant women are affected by gestational Gingivitis. Inflammation, redness, and swelling of gums are the related features seen once the plague starts to form. Bacterial growth elevates the formation of the oral cavity. Gingivitis occurs mainly owing to poor oral hygienic conditions. Hormonal levels shoot up, while progesterone aids in the increase of growth of bacteria and plaque. Pregnant women should be attentive during their second and third trimester by following the deep cleaning methods.
The same leads to periodontitis, if not treated well on time. The pregnant mother has to follow a regular antibiotic dosage to cure Gingivitis. If it aggravates, she has to undergo dental surgery! Thus, she should be extra cautious during her pregnancy and take good care of her dental health. That indicates her following an excellent dental regime, proper brushing, and flossing daily. If followed religiously from the initial stage of pregnancy, it could result in the prevention of gestational Gingivitis.
● Pyogenic Granuloma or Oral tumors: The oral tumors are known as granuloma of pregnancy, pyogenic granuloma, or lobular capillary haemangioma, scientifically. These are soft and red-colored berry-shaped tiny growths that are common during the gestation period. More than 10-15% of pregnant women get severely affected. Mostly the same occurs during the onset of gestational Gingivitis. This kind of tumor affects chiefly the second trimester. The relative growth of plaque and lodging of food elements leads to oral inflammation, which leads to tumor growth. Unless the pregnant woman experiences any pain, bleeding gums, or has issues while eating or drinking, never operate these tumors. After the baby’s birth, slowly, these tumors dissolve. Though not too harmful, then it is always recommended for any expecting mother to be cautious.
● Wobbly Teeth: When a woman is in her family way, high progesterone and estrogen levels act negatively on their oral cavity’s tissues and bones. Moreover, when Gingivitis progresses in the development of periodontitis, she might face the loss of bone from her jaw. It takes place while the affected gum goes back further. The whole teeth structure gets infected, which later leads to wobbly teeth. Deep cleaning, proper brushing, flossing, and scaling help to keep loose teeth at bay.
Oral Health Plan During Pregnancy
While you are in your gestation period, keep a check on your oral health. Regularly visit your dentist, and be attentive to what they instruct during your pregnancy. If you plan to conceive, inform your dentist as well. It will be easier for him to handle the situations at an initial stage and get along with curative measures. Search for the ‘orally near me’ dental clinics. These clinics are well-known, world-wide, for the friendly and cooperating team of dental doctors. Feel free to discuss your dentist about your medications and related after-effects during your pregnancy.
To-be Mom’s Oral Health Affects the Baby
To-be-mom’s oral health directly affects the overall health of the new-born. The poor oral condition leads to the mouth’s invasion of bacterial growth. When neglected, plaque starts accumulating in the form of tartar, all along with the teeth. Foul breath, redness, and swollen gums are the typical outcomes. The mother should take proper care effectively, for stopping the same. Failure to do so leads to the occurrence of ‘periodontitis.’ This disease is supposedly the worst enemy, affecting any pregnant woman. If your oral health is worrisome to you and you cannot wait to get the dental treatment for your teeth, then you may consult your dentist. Depending on the procedure you, it may or may not be suggestible to go for a treatment. Generally, regular treatments like getting an anterior crown are considered safe during pregnancy. It harms the fetus severely with this type of inflammatory condition. The infection spreads rapidly, and the bacterial flora results in the fast development of cytokines, prostaglandins, and other related infectious substances. The severity of this infection also results in premature labor! Periodontitis associates itself with less birth weight and the occurrence of ‘preeclampsia.’
Healthy you!
The oral cavity has adverse effects on pregnancy. A pregnant woman requires to take extra caution, as good oral health indicates a positive pregnancy and hale and hearty babies. Never think twice before visiting a dentist. Follow the dental procedures regularly, to preserve your good dental health. Read along with the additional healthy oral care tips, to be extra safe during your pregnancy.
- Never smoke
- Stop being a sweet tooth.
- Consume less acidic food.
- Relax and get a proper sleep.
- Keep a strict vigil on your oral health.
- Increase the calcium intake during the gestation period.
Follow these tips religiously to be a gainer during your pregnancy period. Be an achiever of good health, physically and orally, while giving your baby the same.
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