Pregnant woman having dentist appointment
Approximately 40% of
pregnant women experience some form of gum disease. And the rate increases as we look at women of low socioeconomic status.
Most pregnant women worry about things that actually need little to no attention. It's often the pregnancy and baby that dominate your thoughts.
Did you know good gum care is mandatory during pregnancy?
Gum bleeding is a common problem in pregnant women. And there are some steps to-be moms can take to control it for their own piece of mind and comfort.
Most women experience
gum bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Here, the rising levels of hormones in the bloodstream can result in gum inflammation. This makes your gums swollen and susceptible to bleeding when you brush or floss.
Bleeding gums is usually harmless. But if it's left unaddressed, it could lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Over time, the bones that keep the teeth attached to the jaw weaken.
If periodontitis isn't treated in time, it can result in pre-term labor and high blood pressure.
So What Can You Do About It?
Here Are Some Simple Tips You Can Take up for Good Gum Care. Let's Have a Look:
- Make Regular Brushing and Flossing a Priority
You can maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal. And don't forget to add a rinse to your oral care routine! This way you'll be extra sure that you're going to bed with a super clean mouth. If you're working, carry a toothbrush kit to the office. Lunch is usually a heavy meal and resisting all that amazing food is just not possible. What about the back-and-forth trips to grab some coffee! With all the binge eating throughout the day, you want to make sure you are extra careful about oral hygiene.
- Consume Prenatal Vitamins on a Regular Basis
An important tip for pregnant women is to consume vitamins on a regular basis. Even before you are pregnant, doctors recommend some vitamins and preparation. When your baby starts to grow, it requires more nutrients. And that makes vitamin supplements very important. Vitamin D and Folic acid are two important vitamins pregnant women should take. Vitamin D is quite a hot topic at the moment and its deficiency is a huge problem around the world. And that's because we don't get much of it from our diet. It's important to consume it because it helps you achieve healthy bones and teeth for your baby. Folic acid is Vitamin B9 and it helps in the growth and development of your baby. Taking it before and during pregnancy can prevent defects of the baby's brain and spine.
If you have gum inflammation, doing a salt water rinse might help heal your gums. Salt water is a natural disinfectant that get rid of tissue swelling and eases the discomfort over time. So try to do a rinse whenever the need arises.
- Use an Anti-Plaque Toothpaste
All women experience hormonal changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, coupled with lactation can cause cavities. And regular toothpastes are not strong enough to eliminate plaque. Instead, using a toothpaste favorable to pregnant women makes a better pick. It helps to improve your dental health and keeps your teeth strong. It also fights every possible chance of bacteria settling in your mouth.
This is by far the most difficult tip to take up. Snacks loaded with sugar is what we all love. And in today's age and time, most pregnant women consume a high sugar diet. Some might crave for a bar of chocolate, while others might like a big bowl of ice cream. But that's not it. When we talk sugar, it's not just all things sweet. Cakes, pastas, bread, potatoes, and biscuits also have high sugar content! And you should spread them out over a few months instead of having everything at once. Too much sugar can decrease the weight of your baby and make you gain weight instead.
What Else Can You Do to Keep Your Teeth Healthy If You Are Pregnant?
Ideally, you should get your teeth cleaned every six months. If you are throwing up several times a day, schedule an extra cleaning so you'll avoid having acid etch into the teeth. Good gum care will also prevent cavities in the future.
Treating
gum disease early can prevent a host of other problems. Implementing the above tips will ensure you and your baby stay healthy. If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, make sure you visit your dentist who can help you find the right solution.
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