Pregnancy and oral health are closely related, it’s important for expecting mother to take care of teeth during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to gum disease and make the teeth susceptible to decay.
REASONS FOR DENTAL ISSUES:
1. HORMONAL SHIFT: As the levels of estrogen and progesterone increases during pregnancy teeth become more sensitive to plaque .Gums become more fragile, swollen and tender, bleeds on brushing.
2. EROSION OF TEETH: As early pregnancy is accompanied with vomiting and acidity issues it can easily erode the enamel of the teeth. It is advisable to rinse the mouth with fluoridated mouthwash and wait for half an hour for brushing the teeth so that further damage to the teeth is avoided.
3. DIET: As a person has different food cravings during pregnancy it may lead to increased consumption of sugary beverages and foods making a person more susceptible to dental decay.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING GOOD ORAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY:
1. Inform your dentist about pregnancy, schedule regular dental visits and avoid elective dental procedures such as teeth whitening.
2. Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly is mandatory.
3. Toothbrush should be having soft bristles.
4. Maintain balanced diet, limit the consumption of sugar.
5. Stay hydrated to increase the production of saliva .