Major Dental Habits & Practices to Follow During Pregnancy

1. Major Dental Habits & Practices to Follow During Pregnancy Pregnancy is generally accompanied by several health issues that need to be addressed through proper medical guidance, determination, and fortitude. However, many women avoid and undermine the importance of oral health, which can have negative consequences for both mother and child. They have the tendency to ignore or downplay the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene. For instance, during pregnancy, the risk of gum disease increases as the body undergoes hormonal changes. In fact, maternal oral health issues, if not addressed by dentists such as a Northcote dentist, can have

2. adverse consequences for the health of both mother and child. Women should be motivated to make healthy changes to their lifestyle, including taking greater care of their oral health. Healthy dental habits are important to maintain during pregnancy to ensure the oral health of both the mother and the baby. Here are some dental habits to follow during pregnancy: Adoption of Major Oral Habits During Pregnancy Pregnancy can be a life-altering event, necessitating that the mother takes care of her oral health. Hence, she should consult a dentist, such as the one providing preventive dentistry in Northcote, to know the oral health measures to be taken to keep her and her baby healthy. The major dental habits a pregnant woman must follow are listed below: Brushing and flossing: Brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day will help to remove food debris that can cause plaque and gum diseases, which can be exacerbated during pregnancy. Studies have found that brushing the teeth improperly can be as bad as not brushing them at all. Proper brushing using circular yet gentle motions can help remove any food particles stuck between the nooks and crannies of the teeth. If not removed, these can harden into plaque and cause gum diseases. Further, bacterial colonies can feed on the leftover food and secrete acids, which can damage the enamel and the teeth as a whole. If that is not enough, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream to damage other organs and cause diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and others. Use a fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is important for strengthening the teeth and preventing cavities or caries. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, for it can prevent the teeth from decaying. Moreover, fluoride can fight germs and provide a protective layer for the teeth. You can learn about the benefits of using fluoride-based toothpaste at any dental clinic, such as a Northcote family dental clinic. Avoid acidic and sugary foods: It is important for pregnant women to avoid sugary and acidic foods as they can cause tooth decay and erosion. Try to limit these foods as much as possible and replace them with healthier options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. This is because acidic and sugary foods turn into acids inside the mouth and damage the enamel. This can cause dental decay and cavities. However, instead of avoiding such foods altogether, pregnant women need to consume them in a balanced amount. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is important to keep your mouth hydrated and to wash away the bacterial colonies present therein. In fact, water can be the best beverage to have during pregnancy and to maintain oral health. Drinking water can help wash out the unwanted acidic and sticky foods in the mouth, thereby preventing gum diseases. This can have a positive impact on the development of the baby. Visit the dentist: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important during pregnancy. Your dentist can help monitor any changes in your oral health and offer treatments as necessary. Remember, pregnancy requires regular checkups by the dentist to detect any underlying dental issues. It is critical to keep the phone number of a dentist or dental clinic, such as a Northcote dental clinic, handy in case of a dental emergency.

3. Consider X-rays with caution: It becomes important for pregnant women to undergo X- ray scanning to detect any abnormalities. However, this can expose the mother and the baby to the harmful effects of radiation. So, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your dentist, such as a Northcote dentist on High Street, before undergoing any dental procedures. Handle dental issues promptly: If you experience any dental issues, such as pain or swelling, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. This can help prevent the issue from becoming more severe and affecting your oral health or the health of your baby. It is often observed that pregnant women are wont to ignore dental issues unless they become unbearable. Early detection of such issues can not only prevent their escalation but also nip the rising cost of treatment in the bud. Moreover, any dental issue can leave the woman in agony, which can have an adverse impact on her and her baby’s health. Consume more fruits and vegetables: Since fruits and vegetables contain healthy fibre and essential nutrients that are of prime importance to the health of pregnant women and their babies, it is advisable to consume them in abundance. Further, eating such foods can help the jaws work properly. Inform the dentist about medicines: A pregnant woman should keep her dentist informed about the prescribed medications, such as the prenatal vitamins, being taken. This is of utmost importance as the dentist may alter the dental treatment plan based on the type of medications taken by the patient. Conclusion Maintaining good dental habits during pregnancy is important for the health of both the mother and the baby. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can help ensure that your oral health remains in good condition during this special time. At the same time, pregnant women should visit the dentist, such as a Northcote dentist, to mitigate any underlying oral health issues, including tooth cavities, gum diseases, and others. Source: https://northcotefamilydental.mystrikingly.com/blog/major- dental-habits-practices-to-follow-during-pregnancy Thank You