Women become vulnerable to many problems and health issues after entering the pregnancy phase. Similarly, the oral issues as well. Pregnant women are more susceptible to suffering from gum and other dental problems. Thus taking care of your dental health becomes necessary to avoid further issues to your teeth and gums. But how you may be thinking, right?
You can find the answers to this in this blog, where I have shared tips for proper dental care for pregnant women.
How does pregnancy affect your dental health?
Pregnancy can affect your dental health in the following ways;
- You may have increased certain hormones, including progesterone and estrogen, which increases the risk of pregnancy and other problems.
- For many women, brushing and flossing become more difficult during pregnancy as gums become tender, and some women also feel nauseous during brushing, which makes it complicated to take care of your dental health.
- Your dental and eating habits may change during pregnancy. You may develop a condition called pica which can harm your oral health if you include foods like ice and non-edible things to eat.
Hence this is how your pregnancy can affect your dental health certainly.
What foods to avoid during pregnancy for better dental health?
Try avoiding these foods for better dental health during pregnancy.
- Cravings during pregnancy are common, but you should see that you do not eat much sugar, as it can cause tooth decay and lead to cavity formation.
- Try eating healthy foods for better dental health, including a good amount of cheese, yogurt, and other sources of essential minerals, etc.
What causes dental issues during pregnancy?
Several reasons can lead to dental and oral problems during pregnancy;
Hormonal Changes:
During pregnancy, women undergo several hormonal changes, which enhance the rise of hormones in their body, like progesterone and estrogen, which may irritate the gums, making them more prone to other conditions like swollen red gums, bleeding, and more.
Read also: Smile Bright: Dental Hygiene Tips for Kids
Poor Oral Hygiene:
Your gums become tender during pregnancy, leading to improper brushing and poor oral hygiene. It can increase the risk of cavities, tooth decay, and other dental issues in your mouth, leading to dental damage.
Morning Sickness:
Morning Sickness is also one of the causes of dental problems in many mothers. It occurs when someone pukes frequently, and the stomach acid touches your teeth, leading to enamel erosion, making your teeth vulnerable to many dental issues and problems.
Dietary Changes:
During pregnancy, women crave several food items, including sugary foods, fats, and carbohydrates which increase the risk of dental cavities and tooth decay. Hence changes in your diet can also trigger dental issues in children.
Hence these are some of the dental issues caused during pregnancy.
How to look after your teeth during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you have to look after your teeth more keenly as it can help you to prevent oral issues from attacking your mouth further;
Brushing:
Brush your teeth twice daily and more keenly. Try adding fluoride toothpaste while brushing to help develop better enamel and good dental health. Thus brushing twice with fluoride toothpaste can improve your oral and dental health. Hence try to brush your teeth at least twice.
Flossing:
Flossing is also a better way to clean your teeth more efficiently in between. If you want to prevent tartar and plaque build-up between your teeth, flossing will be the best technique for removing germs and bacteria from your mouth.
Healthy Diet:
A diet enriched with healthy foods is important in managing your overall dental health. Add foods high in nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try avoiding foods high in sugar, as they can trigger dental cavities or tooth decay.
Tobacco/Alcohol:
Avoid chewing tobacco and using tobacco products, as it can cause issues related to your dental and gum health. Instead, you can munch on healthy snacks like vegetables, fruits, and nuts like sprouts. Also, avoid alcohol as it can harm your health and your baby’s.
Dental Visit:
Try to visit your dentist’s office at least twice a year. And in case of pregnancy, try to make more frequent visits to your dentist’s house for an effective checkup of your dental issues and to avoid them early. Try to hit your dentist’s office every 6-12 months.
Prevention:
Prevention is better than cure. Pregnant women who feel even the slightest problems in their teeth or gums must visit the dentist immediately and never miss an appointment to ensure their oral health is completely safe and fine.
These tips are enough to keep your teeth healthy, germ-free, and safe during pregnancy. Henceforth, these dental care tips for pregnant women can help your teeth prevent the invasion of bacteria and germs, granting you better oral health.
I hope you find the blog a helpful one. If you have any suggestions or queries related to the article, drop them in the comment section. See you soon, and stay connected with more upcoming blogs like this.
Thank you for Reading it till the end!
