Pregnancy is one of the most crucial times to take care of woman’s health, where most of the care and health is dedicated to the developing fetus. Accd. to American Dental Association, this is the period when women don’t take proper care of their teeth and gums, which can lead to a lot of problems to the dental health, which complicates the general health and pregnancy too. Here are a few tips, facts and things to remember during pregnancy.
Morning Sickness
Many women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The term “morning sickness” can be a bit of a misnomer since this can occur at any time of the day. Some women find that eating a couple of dry crackers before getting up in the morning will keep the nausea at bay (eating potato chips may help, as well).
Do rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after vomiting to protect your teeth from stomach acid, which can damage your teeth (it will also make your mouth feel a lot fresher). Some women find that taste of their toothpaste makes them feel nauseous. If this is the case for you, ask your dentist to recommend a more bland-tasting toothpaste.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Hormonal changes affect your gum area, making it vulnerable to inflammations and bacteria. This can be prevented by brushing and flossing daily. If you can, take a trip to dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning. As you will be eating more, you will have to brush more. A piece of chocolate you ate at lunch can cause havoc on your teeth. Brush after every snack, especially sugar snacks.
Periodontal Disease and Premature Birth
It is now known that one of the reasons for premature birth is Periodontal Disease, a serious gum disease. Researchers believe that the bacteria causing Periodontal Disease, enters the blood stream, triggering premature labor. If your baby is born prematurely, chances are it has not achieved his potential weight, causing him to be in an incubator.
Pregnancy Tumors
During the second trimester, you might suffer from red swollen lumps on your gums. These lumps are called “Pregnancy Tumors” and even they are not cancerous or deadly, they must be surgically removed.
Dental Emergencies During Pregnancy
The majority of dentists believe that major dental treatments should be done after giving birth. This is due to the complications that can occur in surgery or in the antibiotics given during treatment. If you have an appointment for the dentist, alert him of your condition! It is very important that he knows as he will treat you differently. In cases of an emergency, seek appropriate treatment. Make sure that the dentist knows your condition. In cases of pregnancy substances such as Novacane are given in a different quantity as they can penetrate the placenta. Also antibiotics such as tetracycline can cause damage to your baby and will not be used.
Remember to brush and floss daily so your smile will be beautiful when your baby comes.