When it comes to staying healthy through your pregnancy, you may consider prenatal vitamins, diet, and exercise, but do you think about your teeth? The changes during pregnancy can result in problems with a woman’s oral health. Taking charge can protect you and your baby, and this article presented by Singla Dental can help you get started.
The Impact of Poor Oral Health
According to the experts, up to 75% of pregnant women have periodontal disease. As your hormones change during pregnancy, you have a higher chance of developing cavities or gum disease. If you do not treat the problem, you may lose supportive bones and later your teeth. Children who have mothers with cavities have a higher likelihood of developing cavities themselves.
Your oral health has an impact on your overall general health. During pregnancy, you need to pay more attention to your health to ensure the healthy delivery of your baby. You may want to have your oral health checked while you have your first prenatal visit. Many people wait to see a dentist until their teeth hurt. Unfortunately, if you wait that long, you may already have a deep cavity.
Steps To a Healthier Smile
Do not skip the trips to the dentist. In the past, people believed that dental care may harm pregnant women. People feared various treatments, including root canals, extractions, and periodontal treatment could somehow harm the baby. Likewise, many people worry about the impact x-rays have on fetal health. However, women do not have to delay care.
To develop a healthier smile, focus on your brushing routine. Consider using a soft-bristled brush and begin at your gumline. You need to brush all of your teeth on the inside, outside, and over your molars. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes at a time. If necessary, consider listening to a song while you brush your teeth.
Ways To Maintain Oral Health
Try to minimize the stressors in your life. Stress can cause you to damage your teeth. You may catch yourself grinding your teeth, eating more sugary foods, and otherwise forgetting to care for your oral health. Try meditation or stretching regularly. To meditate, close your eyes and focus on your current state. Let go of your stress and focus on breathing instead.
Other versions of stress relief include changing your home environment. Add houseplants to lift your spirits naturally. Also, consider decluttering your home and finding ways to let more natural light into your space. Consider changing your passwords. You have to type your passwords often and if you have a positive password, you will have cues to act positively.
Eating healthy helps your teeth, but it can help you live a more stress-free lifestyle. Meal prep so you do not have to worry about your meals every day. Remember to exercise to reduce your body’s adrenaline and cortisol to help you relax.
If you do not have enough fluoride in your diet or the products you use, you may need fluoride treatments, such as those provided by Singla Dental. If you struggle with cavities, treatments can help strengthen your teeth. In addition, after the birth of your baby, you may consider fluoride treatments as a part of your child’s dental care.
Regardless of pregnancy, it can impact your life, irrespective of your oral health. However, during pregnancy, you need to take extra care of yourself for the sake of your baby. Additionally, many women develop more oral issues when carrying a child.
If you have any questions about your oral health or would like to learn more about how to take care of your smile during pregnancy, give our office a call!