Dental health is vital for all people and pregnant women. Women also need to make sure that they are taking care of their oral hygiene, especially during prenatal time. In Plymouth, there are many family dentistry services where people can go for oral health issues.
When you visit for the first time during your prenatal period, you might be referred for a regular dental checkup. You should also know that with pregnancy, there are some oral health problems that arise as well. Preterm birth is one such example.
X-rays are considered to be saved during pregnancy, but it is always better to let your dentist know about the pregnancy beforehand. Some standard oral hygiene practices are brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is something that you can do on a daily basis.
You can reach out to a dentist in Plymouth, MN, and have your oral issues checked. Dentists can always customize the treatment plan according to your needs, and they also ensure that you do not face any difficulty in the process.
How does dental health affect pregnancy?
When we talk about dental health, it includes your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth. Dental health plays a vital role when it comes to prenatal care, which is basically the medical care during pregnancy. There have also been some studies which show that. Gum disease and preterm birth are associated.
In a normal pregnancy, it takes 37 weeks. However, when it comes to preterm birth, it is when the birth happens before the completion of 37 weeks. It is seen that babies who are born preterm can have many issues later on in their lives, while the ones who are born full-term do not witness those problems.
Taking good care of your oral health, including your teeth, gums, and your entire mouth during the period of pregnancy, would ensure that you remain healthy and your baby also turns out to be healthy.
How can pregnancy impact dental health?
Since many changes take place during pregnancy time, it can have an impact on your teeth and gums. Some of such examples are discussed below:
- Some hormones like estrogen and testosterone are increased in your body, which can lead to specific oral health problems.
- There can also be an increased consumption of certain food items that you may consume during your pregnancy time, which can again have an impact on your oral health.
- Some women also develop a condition called pick up during pregnancy, which basically can make them eat some non-edible things and ice in large amounts, which can again have an adverse impact.
- During pregnancy, your gums become tender, and you start to brush your teeth and floss less than you otherwise would.
All the above-mentioned changes during pregnancy can lead to different dental problems, including:
- Cavities:
Cavities can quickly form during pregnancy, and the mother might pass the bacteria that act upon the teeth to their child, which can cause problems for the baby in the future. The bacteria can either be passed during the period of pregnancy or after birth.
- Dental fillings (mercury-free and silver fillings):
Why do cavities need to be treated on time? It is essential that you ensure the feelings are mercury-free. The fillings that have amalgam in them can have adverse effects on the child.
Therefore, it is imperative that you provide the fillings that are safe for you and your baby. Pregnant women who have been exposed to high levels of mercury are turned to having miscarriages.
Seek proper dental care during pregnancy!
Not only is it essential for the baby to have no oral health problems, but it is also crucial for you to have an unproblematic pregnancy. Therefore, consulting a professional can be very helpful to avoid any complications and problems. Your dentist, according to your health, specifies what you should do and what you should not.