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Expecting a baby is an exciting time in a woman’s life. In addition to being a time of anticipation, pregnancy is also a period of hormonal fluctuations and physical changes. Mothers-to-be need to be mindful of their overall health not only for their well being but also for the sake of their developing baby.
As everyone knows, excellent oral health is essential to one’s overall wellbeing. For pregnant women practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. At the office of Camarillo Dental Arts, Dr. Ariel Nergis Gurses provides the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition.
While an old wives’ tale that asserts a woman loses a tooth for every baby she has is patently false, a pregnancy might affect oral health in the following ways:
According to statistics, 60-75% percent of pregnant women have gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease.
A toothache, dental abscess, or infection can put both the mother’s and developing baby’s health at risk.
High hormone levels can temporarily loosen supporting tissues around the teeth.
These activities can make some pregnant women feel nauseous, thereby making it hard to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Growths of red, raw-looking tissue can develop between teeth in response to dental plaque. These non-cancerous growths sometimes need to be removed by the dentist.
Although morning sickness is typically associated with the first three months of pregnancy, nausea with vomiting can expose dental enamel to excessive stomach acid and lead to tooth erosion.
In addition to all of the above, researchers are finding that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. For one thing, there may be a link between gum disease and premature, low birth-weight babies.
Despite all of these considerations, there’s no mystery to maintaining good oral health throughout pregnancy. It’s quite simple and mostly a matter of routine checkups, cleanings, and getting the oral care that’s needed. Remember, with proper hygiene at home and the professional help of Dr. Ariel Nergis Gurses and her team at Camarillo Dental Arts; you can maintain a healthy and beautiful smile throughout pregnancy and beyond.
By Camarillo Dental Arts
October 2, 2019
