If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, a lot of questions mind be running through your mind. There is a lot to think about when you are expecting a baby, from adjusting to the significant physical changes taking place in your body, learning about all the gear you will need to properly care for your newborn, and preparing yourself for a lifelong change. So, pardon us, we will like to add one more item to the list.
Pregnancy can affect your dental health and oral care routine in a plethora of ways and it is essential to be aware of these potential changes so that you can do proper planning. You should be aware of whether you require any of the treatments like crown and bridge or root canal treatment. Though it’s a myth that “one tooth is lost with every pregnancy,” there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to relating your dental health with pregnancy. Four considerations to be kept in mind are listed below.
Scheduling a dental checkup early in your pregnancy is recommended
Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you are intending to get pregnant or have just discovered that you are pregnant. That way, you and your dentist can establish a dental health care plan for your pregnancy and get a baseline assessment of your condition, both of which can help you spot any changes or problems that might arise during pregnancy.
Also, if you find out you require any kind of dental treatment requiring anesthesia, medication, or surgery, it's preferable to find out as soon as possible so you can coordinate the scheduling of these operations with your dentist and OB/GYN.
You may have a higher risk of certain oral health issues
Gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, and non-cancerous oral growths sometimes referred to as "pregnancy tumors" are just some of the oral health problems that may be triggered by pregnant hormones. Additionally, the acidic environment in your mouth brought on by morning sickness-induced vomiting might raise your risk of dental health problems. These diseases may be treated, but to avoid them altogether, you should be aware of your heightened risk and take precautions whenever possible.
Oral health care is more crucial than ever
Certain oral health problems, such as those outlined above, might become more prevalent during pregnancy. All of these conditions are manageable with the right care, but they may become problematic if not addressed in time. In particular, gum disease has been linked to an increased likelihood of having a kid who is born prematurely or who has a low birth weight.
Happily, a committed dental health care regimen may help lessen the likelihood of developing any of these difficulties. The best ways to avoid dental problems during pregnancy are to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing twice daily, eating a balanced diet, and gargling with water after vomiting.
Pregnancy shouldn't prevent you from getting your teeth cleaned
Though certain more intrusive dental treatments might potentially cause problems for an expecting mother, routine tooth cleanings provide no such risks. As was just discussed, they play a crucial role in preserving your dental health when expecting a child. This is such common knowledge that some insurance companies may pay for more regular dental cleanings for expectant mothers; check with your provider to see if this applies to your policy. It's important to keep your dentist informed about your pregnancy, any drugs or supplements you're taking, and any recommendations your OB/GYN has given you during your checkups.
Having elective or invasive operations done before or during pregnancy is not recommended. Make sure your dentist and OB/GYN communicate with one another if you have a dental emergency during pregnancy that requires anesthetic, medication, or surgical treatments.
Pregnancy may add some complexity to maintaining good dental health, but this shouldn't be a cause of undue worry. You may help reduce your risk of dental issues during pregnancy by maintaining healthy oral hygiene practices and seeing your dentist regularly.