HOW IMPORTANT IS MY ORAL HEALTH DURING MY PREGNANCY?
There is so much to consider to help your child grow through your pregnancy. A crucial thing that you can do to help your child is to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy throughout your pregnancy. You are at greater risk for gingivitis (periodontal disease), which is related to low birth weight and a premature birth. But there’s a great deal you can do in order to improve your dental health, including going to your dentist in Crystal Lake, IL to get an examination and cleaning. At DentalWorks – Crystal Lake, our seasoned staff works with women to improve their dental health and cope with regular dental issues while pregnant. Keep reading to find out about the ways pregnancy might influence your dental health and ways to keep your baby healthy throughout this period.
THE MOST COMMON DENTAL CONCERNS TO WATCH FOR DURING PREGNANCY
- MORNING SICKNESS
Along with being an unwelcome symptom of pregnancy, nausea could be an issue for your own teeth. The acid in your stomach can erode your teeth. Following a wave of morning sickness be certain you rinse using a mouthwash or brush.
- PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS
The risk for getting gum disease grows during your pregnancy. Your gums can be darker, extra sensitive, swollen, and even more likely to bleed when you floss and brush. The higher levels of hormones make it much easier for the germs that leads to gingivitis to thrive.
- DRY MOUTH
One frequent issue with women during pregnancy is dry mouth. This may make it much easier for cavities to develop because there’s less saliva to wash bacteria away. On the other hand, a few women realize they have excessive saliva throughout their pregnancy.
- SENSITIVE TEETH
Due to hormones and increased blood circulation while pregnant, your teeth might feel a little more sensitive. You might have a sharp pain if you drink or eat something that is particularly cold or hot.
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH THROUGHOUT YOUR PREGNANCY
- WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
While it can be tough to fight cravings, do what you can to stick to a balanced diet. Your child’s teeth will start to form during months three through six, therefore this is a great time to boost your consumption of calcium and protein in addition to vitamins A, C, and D. If you do have a sugary treat (occasionally the baby makes you!), brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash.
- TWICE DAILY BRUSHING
In addition to bi-annual professional cleanings at your dentist, you should be brushing at home at least two times each day. Your dentist may suggest a soft-bristled toothbrush when you are pregnant so that you may gently brush your teeth and gums. Ask your dental team to show you the correct brushing technique in your visits to be certain that you’re brushing correctly.
- STAY HYDRATED
Treat dry mouth and wash germs from your enamel by drinking water during the day. If your city adds fluoride to your water supply (ask your town whether fluoride is added to your water) this will assist in improving your dental health.
- FLOSS EVERY DAY
While you ought to have been flossing daily, it’s particularly important to now that you’re pregnant. Flossing once daily removes bacteria and debris that may be stuck in your teeth. Flossing makes it easier to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT YOUR DENTIST
Continue seeing a dentist in Crystal Lake, IL for dental examinations and cleanings. Make sure you inform your dental staff that you’re pregnant, or once your baby is born, if you’re breastfeeding. They’ll take more precautions with x-rays along with other procedures to be certain they’re safe. Your dentist might also suggest products, such as mouthwash or a specific toothpaste, which could assist in improving your dental health and address issues, for example, dry mouth and gum inflammation.
DENTAL PROCEDURES DURING PREGNANCY
Should you have to get a treatment while you are pregnant, such as a filling or a scaling and root planing, your dentist can help you determine if this may be safely done. Generally speaking, dental procedures with numbing cream are ideally completed in the second trimester. Any treatments that need sedation ought to be delayed. Preventing treatments is a big reason to take great care of your dental health.
POST-NATAL DENTAL CARE
As soon as your child is born, be certain to continue taking good care of your dental health by flossing and brushing daily. At your next trip to a dentist, inquire about making your child’s first appointment with the dentist. Your child should go to the dentist prior to their first birthday. At this first appointment, your dentist will track your kid’s dental health and the growth of the teeth. Your dentist may also help you with concerns regarding how sucking on their thumb and pacifiers impact your kid’s mouth, bottle rot or tooth decay, as well as other common issues. At DentalWorks – Crystal Lake, our experienced staff will ensure that your kid has a great initial experience with the dentist to encourage a life of good dental health.
GOOD ORAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY HELPS YOU AND YOUR BABY
Looking after your dental health while you’re pregnant will decrease your distress throughout this frequently uncomfortable time and help your baby grow. If you are thinking about starting a family or you’re already pregnant, make an appointment for a dental examination with your dentist in Crystal Lake, IL to discover ways to improve or take care of the health of your gums and teeth while pregnant. DentalWorks – Crystal Lake provides compassionate care during your pregnancy and also a good experience for your entire household.
