Protecting your oral health and overall health are essential, and this is especially true for expectant mothers. When it comes to dental care, pregnant women and women contemplating pregnancy have unique considerations. Failure to adequately care for your oral health during this sensitive time could have serious consequences for you and your child. During pregnancy, your teeth and gums are more susceptible to bacterial accumulation due to an associated increase in hormone levels. Including a thorough dental exam as a part of your healthcare plan is an important step for achieving a healthy pregnancy. Oral Health Conditions Commonly Associated with Pregnancy There are a number of oral health conditions that are associated with pregnancy. These conditions can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and regular consultations with your dentist. Pregnancy related oral health conditions can include: pregnancy gingivitis, periodontal disease and pregnancy tumors (pyogenic granulomas). Gingivitis occurs more frequently during pregnancy because the increased level of hormones amplifies the way the gums react to the irritants in plaque. Keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gum-line, will help dramatically reduce or even prevent gingivitis during your pregnancy. Substituting sweets with more wholesome foods such as cheese, fresh fruits or vegetables is better for your teeth. It is important to seek the advice of your dentist about gingivitis so that the condition does not progress into periodontal disease, which can develop as a result of untreated gingivitis. Periodontal disease leads to deterioration of bone and surrounding gum tissue. If you have periodontal disease or gingivitis, you may be more susceptible to the development of pregnancy tumors which make it difficult for you to eat or speak, causing discomfort. Pregnancy tumors can be removed by your dentist during pregnancy. It is always important to visit your dentist regularly, but even more so during pregnancy to protect you and your baby. Dental Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy There are a number of dental procedures that should be avoided during pregnancy, although it is still healthy and important to visit your dentist for all other procedures. X-rays are one of the main procedures that women should avoid during pregnancy. Although x-rays only produce a small amount of radiation, they are not recommended during pregnancy. Extensive dental work, such as restorative and cosmetic dental procedures should be avoided. Those that require you to sit for long periods of time in a dental chair are not recommended because you put increased pressure on the major blood vessel that supplies blood to your lower extremities which can make you feel faint. Consult your dentist to determine procedures that are deemed safe for you and your unborn child. Self Help Dental Care Tips Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent the accumulation of bacteria on and around the teeth. With increased hormones during pregnancy, it is very important to maintain proper dental hygiene. Additionally, maintain a healthy diet throughout your entire pregnancy. A healthy diet for pregnant women includes calcium, B12 and vitamin C. With morning sickness and vomiting, you can improve it with a warm water or antibacterial mouthwash rinse. Baking soda used as toothpaste has been known to relieve an upset stomach. Check with your doctor before using baking soda during pregnancy or any other at home self-help recommendations. Consult your dentist today for tips on maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting your child.
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Pregnant women, who practice good oral hygiene and consult their dentist regularly, are considerably less likely to experience health problems throughout the term of their pregnancy. Oral health and general health are interrelated, as are the health of mother and child. Continue reading to learn more about how proper oral health is essential during your pregnancy.
Dr. Paul R. Feldman is a cosmetic dentist offering teeth whitening in West Orange. Named one of America''s Top Dentists by the Consumer Research Council of America from 2005-2009, this leading dentist in West Orange, NJ is highly qualified and committed to providing the best general and cosmetic dental care for every patient he serves.
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