Dental Care and Work During Pregnancy
February 12th, 2010
When you are pregnant you become susceptible to illnesses as well as many different oral health issues. This is mainly due to the increase in hormone levels, which can cause bacteria to accumulate quickly on the surface and between your teeth. So in order to avoid any risks to you and your baby, you need to take extra precautions.
One of the best things you can do to keep good dental health during pregnancy, is to brush and floss at least three times every day. If you have a lot of cravings, which make you snack frequently during the day, be sure to brush and floss your teeth more than three times a day. This is the best way to avoid bacteria and plaque that build up on the surface and between your teeth.
Most of the time women who are pregnant experience nausea and vomiting which adds to the bacterium that accumulates on your teeth. To avoid the extra bacteria gargle with warm water or use an antibacterial mouthwash. To be on the safe side it’s advised that you first consult your family doctor before choosing an antibacterial mouthwash.
During the second trimester of pregnancy you should make an appointment with your dentist for a thorough dental exam. Many times pregnancy can decrease the strength of the enamel on teeth making them weak and prone to erosion and cavities. Many dentists will advise their pregnant patients to take Calcium, Vitamin C and B12 during pregnancy to strengthen teeth.
Dental work and pregnancy although risky can be done with the proper precautions. Try to avoid getting any dental x-rays while pregnant. Dental x-rays use radiation that pregnant women should avoid since even low dose radiation has been associated with birth defects. Also any dental procedure that requires dental surgery should also be avoided since sensitive chemicals are used which could cause complications to you and your unborn child. There is also the risk of developing clots in blood vessels that are in the legs due to sitting in the dental chair for long periods of time.
There are times during pregnancy when your teeth start looking dingy and yellow. However, many pregnant women wonder if pregnancy teeth whitening are safe. Recent studies have not revealed any evidence that bleaching your teeth while pregnant is unsafe. However there are many dentists that will not do this procedure because of the liability concerns. The best option to whiten your teeth when pregnant is to purchase a teeth whitening kit to use at home. The solution that is used in these kits is safe and has not been known to be associated with any risks or complications during pregnancy.
When you are pregnant there are many things that cause concerns especial dental work and pregnancy. The best advice is to consult your family doctor and your dentist before having any type of dental work performed. Every women and every pregnancy is different and consulting your doctor and your dentist is your best option.
You might also like these related dental health articles
- Research Finds First Oral Bacteria Linking a Mother and Her Stillborn Baby
- Avoid Periodontal Disease, When You Should See Dentist Immediately
- Dental Health: Dentistry for Women’s Special Needs
- Women Has A Greater Risk Of Having Bad Teeth Compare To Men
- Dental Problems Affect Overall Health
Categories: Teeth, Women
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