Oral health and pregnancy_ Five things every mum needs to know - Alphadentalclinic

1. Oral Health and Pregnancy: Five Things Every Mum Needs to Know Oral health is crucial to overall health and must be maintained throughout a woman’s life, especially during pregnancy. This is why it’s important to visit a Seaforth dentist who can carefully monitor your oral health to decrease your chances of developing pregnancy-related periodontal infections. It’s also important to understand how pregnancy can affect your oral health. Here are five things to note: 1. Bleeding gums and gum disease Fluctuating and changing hormones during pregnancy can make your body react differently to plaque, resulting in bleeding and swollen gums. Visiting a Seaforth dentist and orthodontic clinic can minimize your risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis. Some studies found a link between premature birth and gum disease, and babies born prematurely may develop health problems at birth or later in life. 2. Treating gum disease Some pregnant women don’t like to floss and brush because they feel more tired than usual, get nauseous when they brush their teeth, or because their gums are more tender and prone to bleeding. This increases their risk of developing gum disease. A Seaforth dentist can identify signs of gum disease and provide the safest deep cleaning treatment to eliminate bacteria. The treatment may result in slight soreness in the gums, but it is a normal side effect, even for those who are not pregnant. 3. Prevention Prevention is and will always be better than finding a cure. This certainly applies to your oral health while pregnant. Regular visits to your dentist, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and daily flossing are all essential to reducing your risk of getting cavities and developing gum disease. 4. Diet Your eating habits may change during pregnancy because of cravings, and the kinds of food you consume may affect your dental health. Try to minimize eating sweets to reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gaining too much weight. Doing this also cuts your risk of developing gestational diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that can develop when the body is unable to make sufficient insulin during pregnancy.

2. 5. X-rays and anesthesia Dental x-rays are generally safe during pregnancy and do not have risks to unborn babies. But if you have concerns, don’t hesitate to let the Seaforth dentist know you are pregnant. They can have you wear a special collar and apron to reduce your risk of radiation exposure. You should also talk to your dentist if you need to undergo oral treatment that requires an anesthetic. While local dental anesthesia is generally safe for pregnant women, your dentist may move your treatment later on—during your second trimester—if it’s not an emergency. Every mum should see a dentist Schedule an appointment with a Seaforth dentist at Alpha Dental Clinic for regular cleanings and checkups. Our general dentistry and orthodontic clinic can cater to the special needs of expecting moms. We will help you maintain optimum oral health while pregnant and reduce your risk of developing gum disease and other health complications that can affect you and your baby. Additional source: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html#:~:text=Gestational%20diabetes%2 0is%20a%20type,pregnancy%20and%20a%20healthy%20baby.