Dental Care is very important during pregnancy

Title: Dental Care During Pregnancy: Ensuring a Healthy Smile for Mom and Baby

 by Dr. Yazhini Balaji B.D.S., FCS(PMU)

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation and joy. As an expectant mother, you take various measures to safeguard your health and the well-being of your baby. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is oral health. Neglecting dental care during pregnancy can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only your teeth and gums but also potentially impacting the health of your baby. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy.

 To maintain healthy gums and teeth during pregnancy, I strongly recommend following these five steps:

Step 1: Brush and Floss Twice Daily 

The foundation of good oral health lies in regular brushing and flossing. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make your gums more susceptible to inflammation and infection. By brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and using fluoride toothpaste, you can effectively remove plaque and reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities. Don't forget to floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.

Step 2: Gargle with Mouthwashes or Warm Salty Water 

To further protect your gums and alleviate gum sensitivity, incorporate gargling into your oral care routine. You can choose to use mouthwashes recommended by your dentist or opt for a natural remedy like warm salty water. The saline solution can help relax your gums and minimize discomfort.

Step 3: Seek Preventive Maintenance Procedures

Regular dental visits are crucial during pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to undergo preventive maintenance procedures such as professional teeth cleaning and dental examinations. These procedures will help identify any dental issues early on and prevent them from progressing into more significant problems.

Step 4: Opt for a Full Oral Examination Before Conception 

If possible, it is advisable to have a comprehensive oral examination before getting pregnant. This step allows you to address any existing dental concerns and ensure optimal oral health before entering the pregnancy phase. Early detection and treatment of dental issues can help avoid complications later on.

Step 5: Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Water 

Drinking an ample amount of water throughout the day not only benefits your overall health but also promotes good dental hygiene. Water helps wash away food particles and stimulates saliva production, which aids in neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth from decay.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the significance of combining personal oral care with professional dental care during pregnancy. Neglecting oral health during this period can result not only in tooth decay and tooth loss but also in complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight infants, and pre-eclampsia.

Pregnancy is a critical time when mothers should take specific measures to safeguard their own health as well as the health of their baby. During this period, mothers can protect their oral health by adopting necessary preventive measures to prevent dental problems that may sometimes be irreversible.

Wishing all expectant mothers a happy and healthy pregnancy!