Our dentist talks about pregnancy and dentistry
Pregnancy is an exciting time for mothers; you may be busy shopping for new clothes and going to appointments, so it is easy to put your dental health at the end of your to-do list or even forget about it. However, at Wisdom Dental, we cannot stress enough the importance of paying attention to your teeth and gums during this time.
What can happen to your teeth during pregnancy?
Pregnant women must take extra care of their teeth and visit our dentist in Acton throughout their pregnancy for various reasons. During pregnancy, a hormone called progesterone increases up to ten times higher than its usual level, affecting its response to toxins and making it more susceptible to oral diseases such as pregnancy gingivitis or periodontal disease. It is also common for pregnant women to develop growths on their gums known as pregnancy granulomas; these are characterised by red, painful nodules on the upper gums.
Some women experience severe sickness throughout their pregnancy as opposed to normal morning sickness in the first trimester; this condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum and can result in complete tooth erosion due to constant exposure to stomach acid from the severe vomiting. Additionally, hyperemesis gravidarum can cause dry mouth syndrome due to dehydration, a common symptom. Pregnant women are also susceptible to cavities due to changes in their eating habits; you may crave sugary drinks and snacks, increasing your risk of developing cavities. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth could transmit to your baby post-birth. If you are worried about experiencing these symptoms, we highly encourage you to visit our dentist in Acton as soon as possible.
How to prevent dental issues during pregnancy
Most, if not all, dental issues that occur during pregnancy are preventable, provided that the necessary precautions are taken. To avoid developing any dental diseases or problems, you must visit our dentist in Acton for thorough dental checks. In doing so, our dentist can identify if you are presenting any early signs of dental diseases and advise you on how to take the best care of your teeth throughout your pregnancy.
Another important precautionary measure you can take throughout your pregnancy is to avoid large quantities of foods high in sugar and starch. Understandably, this may be difficult for some women as your body craves different foods and drinks that are out of your control when you are pregnant; however, try your best to substitute these with fruits that contain sugars which do not harm your teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential throughout pregnancy to ensure your teeth and gums remain as healthy as possible. This can be achieved by brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride-containing toothpaste or more regularly if you suffer from pregnancy symptoms. Additionally, it is essential to continue flossing to clean the spaces between your teeth that a brush may not reach. Regular snacking increases the amount of acid in your mouth; therefore, it is better to replace snacking with whole meals, which will inevitably keep you fuller for longer while protecting your teeth at the same time.