John VorhausPregnancy can be both a special and demanding time for your body. Not only should you enjoy the waiting experience, but also take care of your health, which includes your dental health. If you did not know, pregnancy can increase your risk of problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
It is important to follow good dental hygiene during your pregnancy. If you are careless, you may also ruin your health, which directly affects your child’s health. Visit the best Houston Texas dentist during or before your pregnancy to understand how you should care for your teeth during your pregnant days.
FAQs about pregnancy and oral health
- Why do you need to care for your teeth during pregnancy?
A woman’s body experiences various hormonal changes during pregnancy which affect her entire body, including her teeth and gums. Hormonal changes cause a unique transformation in the oral cavity, increasing the risks of gum diseases, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Therefore, visiting your dentist and paying close attention to your teeth is important.
- What are the signs and symptoms of dental problems during pregnancy?
The signs and symptoms of dental problems during pregnancy are the same when you are not pregnant. Visit your dentist immediately if you experience the following.
- Bad breath
- Mouth sores or lumps on the gums
- Spaces between your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Red, swollen, tender, or shiny gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums or pus along your gum line
- Toothache or other pain
- How can you prevent dental problems when you are pregnant?
Practicing good oral hygiene and taking preventative measures can help you prevent dental problems while you are pregnant. Some of the most important ones include:
- Brush twice a day.
- Floss between your teeth at least once daily.
- Brush for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Rinse your mouth after meals.
- Quit smoking and alcohol.
- Minimize sugary and acidic food intake.
- Is oral care different during and before pregnancy?
No. Oral care is the same for everyone, no matter their gender or whether they are pregnant or not. However, when you are carrying another life inside your womb, it becomes especially important to take care of your health.
This is because if you get sick or acquire a disease, it also affects your baby. So, if you want to give birth to a healthy baby, take care of your dental health.
- Are dental x-rays safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Even though dental x-rays use radiation to take a picture of your dental structure and teeth, the amount used is much less. Dentists in Houston, Texas, only use a safe amount of radiation to avoid inflicting harm upon you or your child.