Most women believe that going to a dentist while pregnant is harmful to them and their babies. But, the truth is that dental hygiene is important and cannot be taken for granted. Since your mouth is the gateway to the digestive system and many different blood vessels in the body, it won’t be wrong to say that your oral health says a lot about your physical health. But most pregnant women skip out on their dental appointments, thinking it isn’t necessary.

You can go for a dental cleaning and scaling or get any dental related issues resolved before the baby arrives. At times, pregnancy related dental issues may surface as well that calls for a visit to the dentist to keep you and the baby healthy and safe.

Common Dental Problems during Pregnancy

As you advance in your pregnancy, your cells will start to retain more fluids, including the cells in your gum tissues. These, in addition to your elevated hormones, can cause an inflammatory response in places of plague, resulting in inflamed gums. It can make you vulnerable to other periodontal diseases.

Some of the most common dental problems that might arise during pregnancy include –

● Gingivitis – Due to elevated hormones in the body and the body’s response to different germs and bacteria in the mouth, many pregnant women develop this gum disease. A few symptoms of this disease are swelling, irritation, bad breath, redness of gums, and also bleeding in the mouth.

● Cavities– If you have been snacking more than usual, you are not alone. Since women are prone to cravings during pregnancy, it can cause cavities. Those suffering from nausea and vomiting during the first trimester may also experience increased acidity that leads to tooth decay.

● Gum Tumours – Many pregnant women develop red lumps in their gums due to hormonal changes in the body. These lumps are known as gum tumours and are quite common during the second trimester. These are benign and fade away once the baby arrives.

● Enamel Erosion – If you have frequently been vomiting due to morning sickness, the acids can cause your tooth enamel to erode over time, increasing your chances of tooth decay.

Going for regular dental check-ups is essential during pregnancy to help you deal with these dental problems and maintain pregnancy dental hygiene. If the plague or gum inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to dental infections that can spread to other parts of the body and potentially cause serious health problems.

Dental Work During Pregnancy

Many women assume that getting any dental work during pregnancy is not safe, and they have to wait until after pregnancy to get anything done. But, putting off dental treatment can lead to complications. To the contrary, teeth x-ray, local anaesthesia during cavity fillings, and even root canal procedures are completely safe to take during pregnancy. However, it is best to get these procedures done before starting your third trimester. It is because you might feel uncomfortable going for dental procedures once you are that farther away in your pregnancy.

After childbirth, it is important to continue with your dental care and that of your baby’s. Schedule your child’s first dental appointment at around six months at a kid’s dentist near me. The dentist will check for any oral issues that might cause delays in speech or other problems. If you are worried about your upcoming dental appointment, call your Ballarat family dental clinic for any clarification or recommendations.