Pregnant Woman's Guide to Healthy Teeth

Bringing a child in is a big responsibility. Between painting that new nursey and planning for the arrival, it's easy to let certain things slip.

In addition to the cramps and backache, pregnancy can worsen existing dental problems and create new ones. That is why trips to a Peoria dentist are a crucial part of prenatal care.

This article looks at common dental concerns during pregnancy and how to prevent them.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health

The mother's body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can wreak havoc on mood, appetite, and oral health.

Here the top three ways pregnancy affects your dental health.

1. Pregnancy Gingivitis

One common problem is pregnancy gingivitis. It is the inflammation of the gums due to elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone.

The inflammation causes tenderness and may lead to bleeding. If not controlled, it can devolve into more problems.

2. Higher Risk of Tooth Decay

Pregnant mothers are at an increased risk of tooth decay. The first and apparent reason is the increased intake of carbohydrates.

It is not uncommon for the mother-to-be to crave sweet things. The second reason is morning sickness. Throwing up increases the acidity of the mouth. Acids can erode the enamel and expose the teeth to bacteria.

3. Oral Pregnancy Tumors

The technical term for this condition is a pyogenic granuloma. Pregnancy tumors are not cancerous but cause a lesion on the gums.

This condition is most common during the second trimester. Although they disappear after delivery, you should talk to your Peoria dentist about it.

Oral Health Tips for Pregnant Women

The good news is that most pregnancy-related dental issues usually go away after giving birth. However, you still do more to prevent further problems. Here some tips to help you.

• Inform your Peoria dentist about the pregnancy as early as possible. You should let them know even if you don't know for sure. It is also safe to inform them of any medication you may be on. 
• Eating for two means snacking all the time. This can take its toll on your teeth. Limit your treats to healthy options to prevent damaging your teeth. 
• Don't drop the ball on your oral hygiene during pregnancy. Brush twice a day and floss every night before bed.  
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups. You should more vigilant about your oral health than ever before. Seeing your Peoria dentist should be part and parcel of your prenatal care.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy increases the risk of developing dental problems. These problems may, in turn, affect you and the unborn baby. To be safe, make it a point to visit your Peoria dentist regularly.

More importantly, take care of your teeth. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay.

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