Danger of Pregnancy Dental Problems
June 5, 2009
Even though we need yearlong and life long dental care, but women should be especially careful about their dental health during pregnancy. Pregnancy is responsible for various tooth problems.
Dental problems during pregnancy
During pregnancy the acid level in the mouth rises. Our teeth are especially exposed to gastric acid during vomiting. The risk of tooth decay increases as our teeth are increasingly exposed to gastric acid in the mouth. Sometimes rise in the level of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, loosens the ligament and bones of the gum. This might loosen the teeth. Hormonal changes are often responsible for causing gingivitis during pregnancy. If left untreated, gingivitis can causes preterm birth.
Pregnancy gingivitis
Pregnancy gingivitis largely occurs between the second and eighth month of pregnancy. Your gums will become inflamed, tender, and red and will bleed while brushing. According to studies, nearly 50 percent of women suffer from gingivitis during pregnancy. If you notice symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis, you should immediately contact your doctor.
If left untreated, gingivitis can cause serious gum diseases or periodontitis. According to researches, periodontitis is linked to various ailments, such as heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. During pregnancy, this might be responsible for preterm delivery and low birth weight.
Preventing dental problems
To prevent dental problems during pregnancy, properly brush your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush and use fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth at least twice every day. Regularly floss your teeth. Use a mild antibacterial mouthwash or saline water to rinse your mouth. Always rinse your mouth after eating. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water, and rinse your mouth with this solution after vomiting.
This helps to remove the gastric acid present in your mouth. Avoid sugary foods during pregnancy. These foods encourage tartar and plaque formation. For healthy gums and teeth, consume foods rich in calcium, vitamin C and vitamin B12.
It is quite important to take care about your dental health. Really it is not good to have problems with teeth, you can have bad breath, which is not good for you and people around you.