Monitoring Oral Health During Pregnancy 

 

Women go through a lot of physical changes during pregnancy. They need to take extra precaution of their health during this time.  Included in this is their oral health. Along with hormonal changes, women experience changes in their eating habits, some of which pose a threat to their oral health. If not addressed, serious oral problems may occur. Below are some common oral health concerns pregnant women face and how to address them.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of developing gum disease. Women produce higher levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy to produce the placenta. This leads to a higher risk of developing gingivitis and loose teeth. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 40% of pregnancies experience gingivitis which results in swollen or even bleeding gums. Even with sensitive or painful gums, pregnant women should take extra care of their oral health.

During pregnancy, the mouth demands more care. Brush at least twice a day, slowly and gently if necessary. Find the right kind of toothbrush, preferably one with softer bristles to minimize harm to your gums. High levels of hormones loosen the tissues that hold your teeth in place. For loose teeth, be mindful of what you eat and chew your food carefully. A diet consisting of soft foods is highly recommended.

Nausea and Vomiting

According to the NCBI, research shows that 70% of women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Vomiting excretes the acids from your stomach orally wherein it goes to the mouth and teeth. Aside from the foul smell it leaves in your mouth, the acid also poses a risk of eroding the enamel layer of your teeth. It is crucial to take the necessary measures to remove acid from your mouth and teeth after vomiting. Simply brush your teeth and gargle with mouthwash to rinse acid and foul smell to freshen up your breath. Also, drink water to rinse the acid residue on the esophagus.

Eating Habits

Changes in diet and eating habits are common among pregnant women and often eat more. They often also become nauseous from certain foods and smells. Still, a healthy and balanced diet is very important even with the two concerns mentioned above. A pregnant woman needs 1200 to 1500 milligrams of calcium for herself and for the growth of the baby. Having the right amount of nutrients in the body also affects oral health. 

The combination of change in hormones and change in lifestyle which includes diet tends to lead to oral health issues. Nevertheless, pregnant women can maintain good oral health during pregnancy with a consistent and proper oral hygiene routine. If you suffer from bleeding and painful gums during pregnancy, consider our all-natural, all-organic award-winning Arak Sewak oral hygiene collection with its proven benefits for pregnant women.