Pregnancy is the most beautiful journey in a woman’s life. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure a healthy nine months even with having good oral health. Unfortunately, sometimes women face dental problems during pregnancy. Any dental problems or toothache should not be left untreated at any stage of pregnancy. However, some pregnant women are concerned about the dental procedure to treat the pain. Well, under specialist supervision, all the dental procedures are safe.
It is obvious to have questions like is it safe to have dental treatment during pregnancy? Will it cause any complications? Will the treatment harm the baby? And so on. This blog is a comprehensive guide that offers a general overview of common dental concerns and treatments during pregnancy.
Can I have dental work done when pregnant?
Pregnancy and dental care questions are common for expecting moms. Most of the time, expecting mothers wonder whether they should go for dental work or not. Well, oral pain and swollen gums need immediate treatment at any stage, even during pregnancy.
Dental work is not only safe but also recommended during pregnancy. Generally, the increased hormone levels during pregnancy cause the gums to swell, bleed, or trap food, causing increased irritation to your gums. Precautionary dental work while expecting is vital to avoid oral infections such as gum disease; has been linked to preterm birth.
Moreover, dental work can be done during any time of pregnancy under specialist guidance. But, the second trimester (14 – 20 weeks) is the best time to have elective dental procedures like a filling, root canal treatment, etc. Whenever you need to have dental treatment, inform your dentist about your overall health condition. Also, keep accurate records of the treatment and the prescribed medications.
Sore gums and teeth problems during pregnancy
Swollen or sore gums that are susceptible to bleeding are very common in many pregnancies. It is also called pregnancy gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). It can be caused by the changes in hormones that increase the blood flow to the gum tissue and makes gums more sensitive, irritable, and swollen.
This dental problem should not be left untreated. Consult your dentist if you are facing sore gums during pregnancy. Waiting for treatment may create severe complications. Teeth problems may arise at any stage of life due to various reasons such as poor oral hygiene, excessive consumption of sugary drinks, unhealthy diet, etc.
But, pregnant women are at a higher risk of creating dental problems due to several reasons. First, morning sickness increases the amount of acid your mouth exposes to, revealing adverse effects on the enamel (the outermost layer of teeth). Second, sometimes, pregnant ladies crave sweets or consume more carbohydrates which can cause tooth decay.
So, to prevent dental or teeth problems during pregnancy, maintain good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day, especially do not forget to brush your teeth before going to bed. And have a regular dental check-up to prevent dental problems before they occur or get worse.
Let’s understand the common cause of having teeth pain during pregnancy.
As mentioned earlier, morning sickness is one of the reasons for your dental troubles during pregnancy. When your teeth come in frequent contact with stomach acid, it may cause tooth sensitivity or dental cavities, which causes toothache.
Diet changes during pregnancy. If an expecting mother consumes more dairy products or sugary products, it increases your chances of having dental problems.
The calcium requirement increases during pregnancy as it needs to facilitate the calcium necessities of a growing fetus. Nevertheless, if you do not consume adequate amounts of calcium during pregnancy, it easily leads to demineralization of your tooth enamel, causing toothaches and pains.
Sometimes, pregnancy may make your gums and teeth sensitive, which may lead to improper brushing frequently. As a result, dental problems may occur, which causes tooth pain during pregnancy.
Most of the time, it is easier to prevent dental issues, even during pregnancy. Have a look at the simple remedies to prevent teeth issues during pregnancy;
Eat a wide range of healthy diets, including fruits, nuts, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and milk. Make sure to consume food daily that is rich in calcium, iron, vitamin D3, and other essential nutrients, as pregnant women require more nutrients.
Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste with proper brushing techniques. Also, flossing is an excellent way to remove debris from teeth.
It is best to avoid soft drinks. But, if you consume sugary drinks, you can use a straw to prevent teeth from coming into direct contact with sodas.
When you have symptoms of dental problems, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. It will give some relief from pain and swelling.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Besides, the fluoride in tap water strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay.
Never take over-the-counter medicine during pregnancy by yourself. Consult your doctor first before taking any medication while you are expecting.
Simple precautionary practices at home will help you to stay away from teeth issues during pregnancy. However, if you face any dental problems, do not delay visiting a dentist. The earlier you start treatment, the earlier you will get relief. The untreated dental issues can lead to severe complications in the later stage of pregnancy. So, have a regular dental check-up with your preferred dentist.
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