Did you know that not paying attention to oral and dental health during pregnancy can lead to a number of diseases? The effects of paying attention to teeth and gums during pregnancy on the pregnancy process are undeniable, so it is very important to pay attention to dental health during this period by having the necessary controls.
Pregnancy and Dental Health
During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels increase. This increases the amount of plaque on the teeth. In addition, nausea and vomiting, especially in the first months of pregnancy, can increase the acid secretion in the mouth and cause erosion on the surface of the teeth. These abrasions will eventually lead to caries. If the expectant mother has a habit of consuming sugary foods and does not pay attention to dental care, this can lead to disruption of oral care and gum infections or tooth decay.
Failure to maintain tooth and gum health during pregnancy can lead to inflammation of the gums. These inflammations, called gingivitis, not only disrupt dental health, but also have negative effects on pregnancy.
What To Do To Maintain Dental Health During Pregnancy
- First of all, the moment you decide to conceive, seeing your dentist and finding out if you have any dental problems will be the first measure to be taken. In addition, regular dental check-ups during pregnancy will prevent the emergence of a possible dental emergency.
- During pregnancy, you can protect your dental health by eating foods rich in vitamins A, C and D, phosphorus and calcium. Include fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, meat, fish, dairy and dairy products, eggs in your diet.
- You should always brush your teeth after eating, especially after eating dessert.
- After vomiting, you should clean the inside of the mouth and, if nothing else, rinse with water.
- You should brush your teeth twice a day and complete your dental care by flossing.
- If you can, you can postpone your dental treatment until after the first 3 months of pregnancy. You can have the treatments as soon as you decide to conceive, or you can have them during the 4th, 5th and 6th weeks of pregnancy. you can postpone it to the following months. However, in cases where urgent intervention is needed, you can be treated at any stage of pregnancy. You should also leave X-ray procedures until after pregnancy, unless absolutely necessary.
Maintaining your dental and gum health throughout your pregnancy and paying attention to your diet and health will help both you and your baby’s teeth to develop under ideal conditions. Therefore, you should protect your dental health not only during pregnancy but also after pregnancy and give your baby dental care habits in the future.