Oral Health in Pregnancy

It is important to take special care of your oral health during pregnancy… 

The reasons are:

1.Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the gums. Small amount of plaque deposit along the gum line can cause the gums inflammation. Severe gingivitis and periodontitis can easily occur in pregnancy women who have lots of plaque and calculus.

2. Researches show that bacteria in diseased gum tissue enter the bloodstream and may affect the levels of prostaglandin E2, which stimulate labor. There are relationship between early labor and severe periodontal disease.

3.Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can harm the teeth. Frequent vomiting allow stomach acids come into the mouth. If this acid is not washed away quickly, it can damage the tooth surface and cause tooth erosion.

4.Between meal snacks may be necessary for pregnancy women, but the frequency of eating sweet or sticky foods in creases the risk of tooth decay.

5.Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth and can be passed from mother to child through saliva.

Suggestions:

1. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Be sure to clean between the teeth and along the gum lines.

2. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth clearly after snacks.

3. Do not brush for 30 minutes after vomiting. Acid from stomach combined with tooth brushing can erode tooth surface. Rinse your mouth with water or fluoride mouth rise is better.

4. Eat balanced food, good for Mom and baby. Your baby’s teeth formation begins during the 4th-6th weeks of pregnancy. Calcium is important for tooth formation. However, The baby gets calcium from Mom’s bloodstream, not from Mom’s teeth. It is surely that calcium never loss from Mom’s teeth to baby.

5. Limit snacks that are sweet or stick to your teeth, which increase the risk of tooth decay.

6. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can be done safely at any time during your pregnancy. However, it is usually best to avoid treatment during the first and last trimester. Routine dental x-ray should be postponed. If x-rays are needed, the lead apron will be used to shield you and your baby. Any pain, swelling or infection in your mouth should be treated immediately because these can affect you and your baby’s health.

Bacteria in the mouth can pass onto the baby from parents. If you have tooth decay or gum inflammation, you will have more bacteria and higher risk of passing bacteria onto our baby. Be sure that you have healthy teeth and gum for your baby’s health.