What Should You Pay Attention to for Dental Health During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women should pay special attention to their oral and dental health because it can affect the health of the unborn baby. Therefore, regular dental check-ups should be done for dental health during pregnancy. At the same time, teeth and gums should be kept clean and healthy.
Why is Dental Health Important During Pregnancy?
Dental health during pregnancy is very important. Because the oral and dental health of the expectant mother affects the health of the unborn baby.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the oral and dental health of the expectant mother. These changes can cause the gums to become more sensitive and inflamed and can lead to tooth decay. In addition, dental health problems such as tooth infections during pregnancy can also have a negative impact on the baby's health. Studies have shown that pregnant women with gum disease may increase the risk of premature birth and may be associated with low birth weight.
What Should be Done for Dental Health During Pregnancy?
The following recommendations should be considered for dental health during pregnancy:
- Dental appointments: Regular dental check-ups should be done during pregnancy. During these check-ups, teeth and gums are examined, dental stones are removed and dental caries are detected. This way, dental health problems can be diagnosed and treated early.
- Brushing teeth: Pregnant women should brush their teeth at least twice a day. Brushing is important for cleaning teeth and removing plaque. Also, pregnant women should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. They should be careful not to damage their gums while brushing.
- Flossing: Flossing is also important for dental health. Dental floss, which helps remove plaque between teeth, can reduce the risk of gum disease. However, care should be taken not to damage the gums while using dental floss.
- Healthy eating: A balanced and nutritious diet should be followed for good dental health during pregnancy. Especially foods containing calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus are recommended.
- Avoiding sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, pregnant women should consume these types of foods as little as possible.
- Water consumption: Pregnant women should drink enough water. Water lowers the acid level in the mouth and protects teeth.
In addition to these steps, pregnant women should always talk to their dentist and get advice if they have any concerns about dental health during pregnancy.
What are the Risks of Not Taking Care of Dental Health During Pregnancy?
The risks of not taking care of dental health during pregnancy are as follows:
- Gum disease: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the gums more sensitive and inflamed, leading to gum disease. Gum disease can also cause serious health problems such as preterm birth, low birth weight and other complications.
- Tooth decay: Pregnancy can increase the tendency to consume sugary foods, which can cause tooth decay and tooth loss.
- Pregnancy tumors: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause a tumor to form on the gums. These tumors are usually painless but can cause swelling and bleeding of the gums.
- Toothache: Problems with dental health during pregnancy, such as toothaches, can make it difficult for pregnant women to relax and sleep
- Inadequate nutrition: When pregnant women have dental health problems, their eating habits can be affected and they may not get enough nutrients. This can be a risk to the baby's health.
- Bad breath: Dental health problems can cause social problems such as bad breath.
For these reasons, it is recommended that pregnant women take care of their dental health and regularly visit a dentist.
