Pregnancy & Oral Health
A big milestone to celebrate is pregnancy! Many changes happen during this time, including both physiological and physical changes. Pregnancy affects not just your reproductive system but as well as other parts of your body and this includes your oral cavity too.
Hormonal changes increase your risk of having dental health problems such as swollen and bleeding gums or tooth decay. If you neglect your oral hygiene, you might also have a higher chance of getting gum disease or also known as pregnancy gingivitis and oral growths called pregnancy tumours.
While you are taking care of the baby in your womb, you also have to take care of your oral health and general wellbeing. You should make an appointment with your dentist as soon you learn you’re pregnant. Your dentist will assess and evaluate your dental health. He/she will take care of any oral issues that can affect your pregnancy.
Ensuring a proper oral hygiene routine is very important during pregnancy. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing once daily and cleaning your tongue will help fight tooth decay and gum disease. For oral growths, you have to wait until you deliver your baby to get rid of them. They naturally subside on their own. Nevertheless, you can ask your dentist to remove them.
Dental X-ray and dental cleanings are allowed during pregnancy. Your dentist and OB-Gyne should work together to manage your oral health and your pregnancy to make sure you and your baby are healthy.
To learn more about how to take care of your oral cavity during pregnancy, you can contact our dental team at The Dental Room, located in Calgary, Alberta.
