Pregnancy
And Your Oral Health
Oral
health is an important part of your total health and physical well being.
During pregnancy you need to take special care of your oral hygiene
because your hormonal balance changes. These
changes make it easier for you to get gum disease and tooth decay.
Because
you and your baby require special care and attention at this time you
should take special attention of your:
Oral
health Practices
Effects
the hormonal changes may have on your oral health and what to do.
Morning
Sickness
-
Nausea
and vomiting can happen during
pregnancy, caused by hormonal action, tension and/ or fatigue.
-
Usually
occurs during the 8th to 12th week of pregnancy.
-
Frequent
vomiting can leave stomach acids in your mouth.
-
If
this acid is not cleared away quickly it may dissolve your
tooth structure and cause it to decay.
What
to do?
-
Rinse
your mouth with water, or with a fluoride mouth rinse
after vomiting.
-
This
will dilute any acids in your mouth and protect your teeth from the
damaging action of the stomach acids.
Never
brush your teeth after vomiting, because the
brushing action may cause more damage to your teeth.
Sore or Bleeding Gums
-
For many pregnant women, hormonal change can
cause a slight swelling of the gums This is called “ pregnancy gingivitis”.
-
This may cause your gums
to become red, sore or
bleed easily.
-
Usually appears during the 3rd to
9th month of pregnancy.
-
This gum enlargement can hide plaque easily.
-
If this plaque is not removed the bacteria
in it may damage your gums.
What to do?
1.
Brushing your teeth 2 or 3 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste,
and
2.
Using dental floss to remove plaque and food debris between your
teeth where the
toothbrush cannot reach. This
will help your mouth to remain clean and fresh and greatly
reduce the risk
of you getting any gum disease.
Please
note: Even if your gums bleed, keep on
brushing your teeth and gums more carefully 2 or 3 times a day. This
is the only way to prevent and treat pregnancy gingivitis.
Professional
Dental Care Needs
-
Taking
good care of yourself during pregnancy affects not only your own
health but also the health of your baby.
-
A
dental check-up done early in pregnancy can find and treat problems
before they become serious.
-
A
dental check-up can be done safely at any time during your pregnancy.
-
The
4th and 6th months of pregnancy may be the most
comfortable time for you to visit your dentist, since few concerns of
pregnancy occur during this period.
-
You
must however tell your dentist or dental hygienist that you are
pregnant.
-
At
your dental visit your dentist or dental hygienist will treat and
advise you of any pain, swelling or infection in your mouth.
-
Your
dentist and dental hygienist will weigh the benefits and risks of your
particular situation and recommend alternative procedures and
treatments if necessary.
PRECAUTIONS
X-RAYS
-
If
you are pregnant, you should not be exposed to x-rays especially
during the first 3 month. Your dentist will postpone any dental
x-rays needed until after your baby is born, to reduce radiation
exposure. Your dentist will take x-rays only if it’s a case of
emergency.
Drugs
And Medications
-
Avoid
taking any kind of drugs or medications while you are pregnant.
-
If
you need emergency dental treatment, certain drugs may be required
that are generally considered safe, but you should always discuss
their use with your dentist or doctor first.
-
Do
not take any medication without consulting your dentist or your doctor
first.
Eating
habits
Good
nutrition is important for your dental health and that of your unborn
baby.
REMEMBER:
-
Calcium
is essential for the development of your baby’s teeth. So take
food high in calcium like milk and milk products and green leafy
vegetables.
-
Vitamin
C and vitamin B12 help keep your mouth in a healthy and strong
condition.
-
You
may experience cravings for certain foods. Frequent snacks and drinks,
especially sweet ones, can lead to dental caries (decay). Choose a
wide variety of snacks that are low in sugar, fat and salt and high in
fibre. Drinks such as milk and water are the best recommended.
-
Avoid
sweets such as hard candies, sticky foods soft drinks. These contain a
lot of sugar which if left on your teeth for even a few hours can
cause your teeth to decay.
Looking
ahead
At
first your newborn baby does not have bacteria that cause dental decay in
their mouth. As the teeth come through the gums, the bacteria that causes
decay is passed to the baby by the main carer, usually the mother, through
kissing, food tasting or by cleaning the dummy in their own mouth. It is
important that carers thoroughly clean their own teeth and have all their
own decayed teeth treated so that they will have low levels of bacteria.
This will reduce or greatly delay the transfer of these bacteria.
Tooth
Brushing Technique
To
avoid plaque build up it is important to thoroughly clean your teeth and
gums twice a day. Remember, each tooth has five surfaces-a front, a back,
two sides and a top. The only sure way to prevent dental disease is to
clean every surface.
Flossing
Technique
Daily
flossing is vital because it cleans where the toothbrush cannot reach
between teeth and below the gum line.
FOR
MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR ANC NURSE OR DENTIST
YOUR
DENTAL CHECK-UP IS AS AN IMPORTANT AS YOUR ANC APPOINTMENT
TALK
TO YOUR ANC NURSE ABOUT IT
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