Did you know that children of mothers who have high levels of untreated cavities or tooth loss are more than three times more likely to have cavities as a child? Many people don’t realize the full effects a mother’s oral health can have on her baby. Pregnant women are vulnerable to an array of oral health problems that could be harmful to not only their health but their baby’s health, too.
Routine dental care is essential to every mother’s prenatal care, and it should start with a trip to the dentist fortitude valley at the beginning of the pregnancy. Your dentist can assess your current oral health and make a dental plan to keep you on track during pregnancy.
Understanding how your oral health can affect your baby during pregnancy can help you take the proper steps towards preventative care.
Pregnant women who have cavity-causing bacteria can increase their child’s risk of cavities.
Behavior changes in pregnant women, such as eating more unhealthy foods, can put mothers at an increased risk for cavities or tooth decay. The bacteria that causes cavities during pregnancy and after delivery can be transmitted to the baby orally.
The combination of cavity-causing bacteria and other sugars can lead to early childhood cavities and extensive dental care strain. Save yourself a headache (and your child a toothache) by treating your cavities as soon as possible.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause gingivitis.
More than half of pregnant women experience gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal (gum) disease that happens when the gums become red and swollen. This inflammation is caused by changing hormones during pregnancy, and if not treated properly, it can lead to more severe gum disease.
Morning sickness can lead to weakened enamel.
Many pregnant women experience the discomfort of morning sickness—70% percent to be exact. Unfortunately, vomiting can harm your oral health and can lead to erosion of the maternal enamel layer.
Vomiting during the first months of pregnancy increases the acidic levels in your mouth. It’s essential to pay close attention to oral care during this time. If teeth aren’t brushed well after experiencing morning sickness, an over-acidic environment can form in the mouth leading to deterioration.
Oral care plays a more prominent role in your prenatal care than you may think. It’s essential to take preventative steps to ensure good oral care during and after pregnancy. Here are helpful oral care recommendations for pregnant women:
- Practice daily oral and dental care, such as brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss once a day.
- Visit your dentist to receive a complete oral examination and get regular dental checkups throughout pregnancy and after.
- Eat healthy foods and limit your sugar intake.
- Don’t smoke.
Oral health is an integral part of your general health, and it’s important to consider how it can affect your pregnancy. If you’re worried about your dental health or are planning to become pregnant, visit your dentist right away to ensure that you are taking proper care of your oral health.