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Pregnancy
and Dental Health
Your dental health during pregnancy
Most women know that taking care of one’s health during pregnancy is very
important. Eating right, exercising and taking prenatal vitamins are just examples, but
caring for the mouth is the one thing that most pregnant women take for granted. Many
people in our society still believe that giving birth means a woman will have bad teeth and
gums. There is even a saying “you loose a tooth for every baby.” These
beliefs are outdated. Also they are a 100% wrong.
It is important to keep your mouth clean and therefore healthy during your
pregnancy. A healthy mouth means a healthy baby. Research shows that
pregnant women with dental carries and gum disease have a higher risk of complications during and after
pregnancy. The children of these mothers will a higher chance of acquiring dental decay
and gum disease from their mothers.
GUM DISEASE DURING PREGNANCY
Research have linked premature child births have been linked to gum
disease. Women with severe gum disease have seven times the risk of having a baby
prematurely and having a low birth weight. The possible reason is the body’s fight against
the gum disease bacteria is so overwhelming that eventually induces early labor.
DENTAL CARIES DURING PREGNANCY AND AFTER BIRTH
Scientists have found that women with extensive tooth decay have a greater risk of
having children who will get cavities before the age of 5 years old. Bacteria in the mouth
are the cause cavities. After birth, mothers transfer the cavity causing bacteria to their
child. The most common way is by kissing and sharing utensils.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Good news these problems are preventable. Before you become
pregnant visit your dentist for a complete dental exam. This will assure you that you will
get the proper dental treatment before your pregnancy. Also you be on track for your
regular visit while you are pregnant.
WHAT CAN THE DENTIST DO FOR YOU
During your pregnancy, it is not only possible to have dental treatment but in the
case of gum disease and cavities, it is a must. It was said before that certain dental
treatment can harm the fetus but this is not true. It is harmful not to fix your dental
problem than not to. During the second trimester is the best time for any dental
procedure. It is safe for a dentist to perform: fillings, root canals, periodontal
cleanings, extractions, x rays etc.
September 30, 2009
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