Prenatal Dental Care
What every expectant mother should know about pregnancy and dental care.
The health of a mother has a lot to do with the health of a new baby. That's why mothers-to-be should take special care of their teeth during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations associated with being pregnant often exaggerate certain dental problems, and recent studies have even shown a link between gum disease and premature and low-birth-weight babies.
One of the most common oral problems during pregnancy is gingivitis. This condition results from plaque, the invisible, sticky layer of harmful bacteria that forms on your teeth. If it is not removed, it can irritate gums, making them red, tender, and likely to bleed easily. Hormonal increases in expectant mothers intensify the way gum tissues react to the irritant in plaque.
Some people believe that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy. But it is decay and gum disease that cause teeth to fall out, not repeated pregnancies! Each time you eat, acid attacks your tooth enamel for about twenty minutes. So if you're snacking on sugar-rich foods throughout the day, your teeth are under acid assault all day long.
What you eat during your pregnancy can also affect the development of your unborn child's teeth. You should take sufficient amounts of vitamin A, C, D, protein, calcium, and phosphorus, especially from your third to sixth month of pregnancy.
Morning sickness usually happens in the first trimester and many women have difficulty sitting in one position for very long during the final months of pregnancy. Therefore, It is best to schedule elective dental appointments during the second trimester of pregnancy, although regular checkups and cleanings should be kept on schedule.
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