Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy Research Paper

Pregnancy comes with a lot of responsibilities which includes taking good care of your health as well as the health of your unborn child. An often neglected or overlooked aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy revolves around oral hygiene. Many people assume that dentist visits are best avoided during pregnancy or that teeth do not need any special attention or care during pregnancy. The reverse is in fact true. Your teeth and gums are twice as susceptible to decay and infection during pregnancy than in normal conditions. This is because the body undergoes a host of hormonal changes during pregnancy leading to increased risk of infection in the teeth, gum diseases, bleeding and other oral problems. Any kind of infection
Periodontal disease is in fact the medical term for bacterial infection in the mouth. Bacteria present in the mouth break down sugar in the food to produce acid, which can erode away the protective enamel coating on the tooth making it vulnerable to cavities and infections. This condition is also referred to as gingivitis and symptoms include bleeding and swelling in the gums. Pregnancy increases the risk of developing gingivitis mainly because hormonal changes during pregnancy create conditions for bacteria to grow which in turn increases the acid action on tooth enamel. Another reason why pregnant women are more susceptible to gingivitis is because acids released during morning sickness can also wear down the enamel coating on the teeth. It is important to treat gingivitis as soon as possible, especially during pregnancy. If left untreated, gingivitis can spread to other parts in the mouth increasing health risks for both the mother and the
In fact it is highly recommended that you take care of these during pregnancy to reduce the risk of gum and teeth infection.
• Routine X-rays can also be performed during pregnancy provided the abdomen and thyroid are properly covered with a leaded apron and collar respectively. There is, therefore, no reason, to delay those.
• You might be aware that your baby will start growing teeth sometime during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is important that you provide the baby with sufficient amount of calcium, proteins as well as vitamins, especially vitamins D, C and A. Sticking to a healthy diet that includes dairy products, yogurt and cheese will not only help you fight tooth decay but also provide essential nutrients to help the baby grow strong teeth and gums.
• It is normal to eat more during pregnancy but it is best to avoid frequent snacking as that is the most common cause of tooth decay. Also avoid sugary drinks and snacks as much as possible during pregnancy as they facilitate the growth of bacteria in the