Poor Oral Health May Affect Your Pregnancy – What You Should Know

If you’re pregnant, you’re probably visiting the doctor frequently to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. But did you know that you should be seeing the dentist, too? Poor oral health during pregnancy can cause some health issues both in you and your child. In this blog from Skutak Dental, we’ll discuss what you should know about pregnancy and oral health.

Neglecting Oral Health During Pregnancy Can Cause Some Birth Complications 

Dental health issues during pregnancy are known to lead to issues like low birth weight, premature delivery, and pre-eclampsia in mothers. In addition, the effects of poor oral hygiene in pregnancy can lead to serious oral health issues in mothers, including tooth decay, gum disease. 

The overall health of a pregnant mother is essential for her baby, and the mouth is a very important part of this. When excessive levels of bacteria are present in the mouth, it’s thought that they can be transmitted into the uterus, triggering the production of certain hormones and chemicals related to premature labor and other complications.

Your Teeth And Gums Are At Risk During Pregnancy – Keep Up Your Hygiene Routine! 

One of the issues complicating oral health and pregnancy are the hormonal and physical changes that happen to your mouth while pregnant. Your teeth and gums become loose due to hormone production, and you are at a higher risk of gingivitis.

Nausea and vomiting, which are extremely common in present women, can contribute to tooth decay, and pregnancy can also lead to other issues like dry mouth and cravings for sugary and starchy foods.

Some moms may also be too busy and exhausted after a long day to maintain a good oral hygiene routine and remember to brush and floss, which can result in deterioration of the teeth and gums. 

Proper Oral Care Will Keep You And Your Baby Healthy! 

Don’t be worried about your baby’s health! As a pregnant mother, it’s relatively easy to avoid poor oral health by maintaining proper oral hygiene. There are a few steps you may want to take to keep you and your unborn baby healthy. 

First, brush at least twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. You should also brush or rinse with fluoride mouthwash after morning sickness or vomiting to remove stomach acid that can destroy and erode your enamel.

Flossing once per day is also essential, and helps remove food particles that brushing alone can’t remove. 

In addition to this, make sure to see a dentist every six months. Dental appointments with a dentist like Dr. Lisa Skutak are the best way to make sure that you’re protecting your oral health during pregnancy, so make sure you visit Skutak Dental for an appointment during your pregnancy.

Contact Skutak Dental To Get A Prenatal Dental Appointment Today! 

Dr. Lisa Skutak is an experienced dentist and understands the oral health challenges that face new moms. So don’t wait. If you are ready to take control of your oral health during pregnancy, contact us online to schedule a consultation, and make sure you and your baby are as healthy as possible throughout your pregnancy.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call Now (715) 355-4433