When it comes to your health, everything is connected. Your body is a system, and when one part is not well, symptoms show up throughout the rest of the body. When you’re pregnant, your baby’s health is affected as well, and that is why it is so important to do everything you can to stay healthy. That includes getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, exercising and talking to a doctor when you think something might be wrong. Your teeth are no exception. In fact, your oral health is directly tied to your pregnancy. According to a study done at the University of Pennsylvania, women with untreated gum disease were more likely to give birth prematurely. Untreated gum disease also led to tooth decay in their children.
X-rays during pregnancy may be limited or restricted, but a routine cleaning and exam should not be skipped due to a pregnancy. Women are particularly susceptible to Gingivitis during pregnancy due to increased levels of progesterone. Gingivitis may cause your gums to bleed while you brush. An extra cleaning may be recommended by your dentist to prevent problems.
You can be proactive about your oral health by taking good care of your teeth and gums at home. Besides brushing twice a day, you should also avoid snacking too much throughout the day, especially on foods that are rich in carbohydrates or sugars. The best snack options are raw fruits and vegetables or dairy products like cheese and yogurt. If you do snack, it’s not a bad idea to brush afterward. Drinking water is always preferable to drinking soda. Chewing sugar-free gum has also been shown to be good for your mouth.
Do your mouth and your baby a favor: take good care of your teeth and gums! Floss, brush, rinse and visit your dentist!