Importance of Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period of enormous physical and hormonal transformation. Although most pregnant mothers pay attention to their diet, rest, and physical health, oral health is usually neglected. Nevertheless, dental health is an essential component of prenatal care. Pregnancy hormones may also predispose you to gum diseases and tooth decay, among other oral complications that can even jeopardise the health of the baby.

At Mannat Fertility Centre, we promote holistic maternal care- even oral hygiene. This is why dental care is essential and how to maintain health in the mouth during pregnancy.

Why Is Oral Health Important During Pregnancy?

Your oral health is not independent of your health in general, but there is a direct relationship between the two. Studies have revealed that unattended dental issues (mainly gum disease) may cause some complications that include:

• Swollen bleeding gums (pregnancy gingivitis)
• Periodontal disease can be a risk factor for preterm birth and low birth weight
• Pregnancy tumours (not cancerous overgrowths of the gums)
• Caries caused by alteration of saliva and snacking

Making sure your mouth is clean and your gums are healthy, you are not only taking care of yourself but also taking care of the development of your baby.

1. Brush Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste

Regular brushing forms the pillars of good oral hygiene. Clean your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste at least two minutes, morning and night. Fluoride aids in the fortification of teeth and in combating cavities, which may be higher in cases of pregnancy because of the acidity of the mouth.

2. Floss Daily to Prevent Gum Infections

Hormonal changes cause increased sensitivity and inflammation of your gums. Regular use of floss helps to eliminate food remnants and plaque in between teeth, improving gingivitis and severe gum disease. Be careful but vigilant- at first, you may bleed a bit when flossing, but it is necessary that you maintain your gums’ health.

3. Rinse After Morning Sickness

In case you have morning sickness, then the stomach acids may weaken the tooth enamel. Do not brush right after vomiting. Use a water and baking soda solution to wash your mouth. This cancels out acid and guards your enamel. Never brush your teeth immediately; wait a minimum of 30 minutes.

4. Visit a Dentist Early in Pregnancy

Visit the dentist in the first trimester or in the early second trimester. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant, or she will adjust accordingly. Regular dental cleaning and check-ups are safe and essential. The postponement of treatment of cavities or gum problems may compound the situation.

Postpone elective procedures within first and third semesters except when necessary.

5. Eat for Your Teeth Too

Oral health is helped by a balanced diet. Add calcium-containing foods (such as milk, yoghurt and almonds) to build teeth and bones. Citrus fruit and tomatoes are sources of vitamin C, which helps gums. Avoid sweet snacks and beverages-they will nourish the harmful bacteria and make you prone to tooth decay.

Some other ways to clean your teeth after meals include chewing sugar-free gum, which also aids the production of saliva.

Final Thoughts

Dental care is a compulsory part of your prenatal medical care. Not only does caring about your teeth and gums throughout pregnancy retain your smile, but it also safeguards the health of your baby. It really can be helped by simple everyday routines, frequent dental visits, and taking note of the changes in your mouth.