Pregnancy and Your Teeth

There has been a lot said on the health of teeth and gums while pregnant. As a result of major hormone fluctuations, a pregnant woman is at a higher risk of dental complications. However, that isn’t to say that she should just face gum disease or tooth decay as a normal part of motherhood. There is much that can be done to defend against these problems and to maintain a healthy smile throughout the nine months and beyond.

The first and most important step to staying healthy, whether one is aiming for general physical health or tooth and gum health, is to consume a well-balanced diet. It is said over and over again for a host of health-related reasons and there is good reason for that. Maintaining a healthy balance of vitamins and nutrients allows the body to work at its optimum level, and that means that the mouth will be more effective at staving off decay and disease. So, opt for foods high in calcium as well as vitamins A, C, and D, which all help with oral health.

In addition to the healthy diet, this is the most important time to be vigilant about dental care. Continue seeing the dentist at regular intervals and at home, do your best to keep the mouth clean and cared for. However, most major dental procedures will likely be put off until the baby is born. During the third trimester, there is a danger of premature labor when visiting the dentist’s office. This is a result of the position of the chair and the added pressure placed on sensitive blood vessels, thus it will likely be advised that you push the appointment back until after the baby is born.

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