A Family Dentist in Pleasant Grove Says Pregnant Mothers Should Do This

For an expectant mother, the first concern is to make sure that the fetus is cared for and protected. Obviously, “Mother Nature” has programmed this to be the priority because the mother’s oral health can be left depleted as her body will naturally do whatever is necessary to make sure the baby is nourished. Because of this phenomenon, the mother can be left more susceptible to a condition called gingivitis. Learn how some of the hormonal changes that come along with being pregnant can contribute to poor oral health and what can be done about it.

The Issues That Pregnant Women Can Face

Because her body is prone to supply whatever nutrients and minerals are needed for the baby first, the expectant mother’s teeth and gum health can be compromised. Here are some of the factors that can impact her oral health:

• Retching – For many pregnant women, attempting to brush their teeth can cause them to retch or gag, which can discourage them from performing oral hygiene.
• Vomiting – Besides being an inconvenience, vomiting can coat the teeth with acidic stomach juices that can cause premature wear and a greater risk of decay.
• Food Cravings – It’s not uncommon for a pregnant woman to have odd food cravings. Many times, the item desired is one that contains a high amount of sugar, which can encourage new bacteria to grow.

The Importance of Oral Care

Thankfully, the mother isn’t left helpless in preventing oral health issues. By being proactive, the more significant challenges can be addressed. The following are some helpful tips:

• It’s a good idea to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to lessen the chances of gum irritation.
• Floss should be used at least once a day to remove bacteria that can develop along the gumline.
• A mother should also monitor her gums to make sure they aren’t bleeding, which can be an early sign of gum disease.

How Supplementation Can Help

It’s typically a good idea for expectant mothers to take pre-natal vitamins and minerals during their pregnancy. These products are created to replenish the valuable nutrients that are extracted from the mother to protect the gestating baby.

Visiting the Dentist

In normal situations, it is recommended to visit a dentist semi-annually for cleanings and checkups. For pregnant women, though, because of their higher vulnerability to gum disease, it’s suggested they visit every 90 days.

Thus, if there are any signs of gingivitis, they can be addressed before they morph into more advanced stages of gum disease, which can cause permanent damage to the mother’s teeth and gums. By visiting a dentist in Pleasant Grove for preventive care, both the mother and child can be as healthy as possible.

About the Author

The Bear Creek Family Dentistry experience is a unique one, in that under a single roof, there is a specialist available to meet any oral health need. The process of receiving the care needed starts with contacting one of the professionals through their website.