Oral Health Care & It's Importance During Pregnancy

Prenatal

oi-Gowri Nandini

By Nandhini Devi

Friday, July 1, 2011, 12:41

Healthy teeth play a vital role in keeping the rest of your body hale and hearty. Similarly, good health is a primary requirement for all pregnant women. Among many health problems that occur during pregnancy, oral diseases too can cause major issues to both the mother and child.

By taking proper oral health care during pregnancy, mother can prevent dental caries from getting transferred to her child. Studies have shown that periodontal infection may cause complications such as low weight of the baby at birth or premature delivery.

Oral health care during pregnancy is easier if the following suggestions are followed. Have a look at these tips;

1.Nutritious food is a necessity to ensure that you do not face any dental problems during pregnancy. Oral health care during pregnancy includes adding a vitamin D and calcium rich foods to your daily diet. This will provide essential nutrients to your baby as well.

2.Apart from maintaining general oral hygiene during pregnancy, regular visits to the dentist is a must in an oral health care routine. Remember to inform the dentist that you are pregnant before he commences with the check-up.

3.Any treatment that needs to be done, can be done in the early stages of the second trimester. However, the dentist may give immediate treatment to more severe problems, irrespective of the stage of gestation.

4.Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common dental problem that occurs during pregnancy. Due to plaque building up on the gums, you might face irritation, swelling or bleeding from the gums. Following an oral health care routine such as getting teeth cleaned from a dentist, apart from brushing and flossing regularly, will help overcome this condition.

5.Pregnancy tumour is yet another dental problem that might occur. This tumour can be painless or harmless. However, remember to keep the area around it clean. Seek your dentist's help in this regard.

6.Vomiting is common in pregnant women. Remember this important oral health care tip. Rinsing the mouth with a solution of water that has been mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda, helps neutralise the acid that appears after vomiting.

Prenatal dental care is essential to provide healthy and strong teeth to your baby.