subject: Taking Care Of Your Oral Health During Pregnancy [print this page] Pregnant women experience all different types of bodily changes due to the hormones present in their systems. These hormones can affect the way you look, feel, and even the health of your body.
They even have an effect on women dentally, specifically the health of their gums. When you are pregnant, there is a possibility that you may experience more bleeding is this region when you brush and floss.
Women can even develop a pregnancy tumor, or benign bump or swelling in the gums. This tends to be purple, red, and painful, but is not permanent and will disappear after the time of gestation.
The best way to alleviate these symptoms or prevent them altogether is by eating right and properly taking care of your teeth. Though you cannot avoid cravings for certain foods, it is best to limit your refined sugar intake.
If you tend to have a sweet tooth or crave desserts, try integrating fresh fruits in as a substitute. This will be better for your body, provides nutrients for your child, and they will not leave sugary deposits on your teeth.
If you do tend to eat sweet foods, brush your teeth immediately after. Letting refined sugar sit on your teeth and gums for an extended period of time will only cause bacteria growth and plaque.
It may also damage the enamel on your teeth, which when it has been diminished, is hard to build up once more. You must also focus on flossing, at least once a day.
Flossing prevents germs and bacteria from settling into your gums and damaging them. They can cause disease if left to wreak havoc, which is very painful and costly to fix.
If you tend to forget to floss, make yourself a small chart or reminder in your bathroom. That way, when you awake in the morning or go to sleep at night, you will remember to take care of this necessary step in your oral hygiene routine.
You could even carry a small, travel-size floss in your bag or purse for emergencies. After you have eaten a meal, it will be easy to excuse yourself to a secluded area to quickly floss your teeth.
That way, bacteria will not settle on your teeth throughout the day. It is extremely important for pregnant women to take care of their oral health so that small problems, like toothaches and plaque, will not grow into larger problems.
It is advised that pregnant women, especially those that are in their first trimester, avoid x-rays. This includes x-rays and photos of the teeth and gums.
If you take care of this area and keep it clean and healthy, you are less likely to have problems or ailments that involve the use of an x-ray machine for diagnostic purposes. You can also prevent further problems after your pregnancy.
The better your diet, the less of an issue you will have with your hygiene. Though hormones and pregnancy increases the amount of food cravings in women, it is best to focus on eating wholesome foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Partaking in some form of calcium, whether it is from food like milk or vitamin supplements, will be essential to your oral health and the strength of your skeletal system. This vitamin will strengthen the enamel in your teeth and create strong bones.
However, it is best to ingest it naturally through milk and vegetables, for it is not advised that women take certain supplements during pregnancy. The healthier you eat, the more nutrients your baby will receive.
The types of things you put into your body will, ultimately, affect the strength and vitality of your future child. Nutrients like calcium, folic acid, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D, will ensure that your baby will eventually grow strong teeth, bones, and organs.
Steer clear of snacks that have a large amount of carbohydrates in them, for they are more likely to stay in your mouth and cause plaque build-up. Instead, satisfy your carbohydrate need with healthy options like whole wheat pasta, grains, and cereal.
The more you pay attention to the foods you eat and how well you take care of your oral health, the better you will feel and the cleaner your mouth with be. This ensures that the rest of your body will also be healthful, along with your baby.
