ORAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY

One of Dr. Alapati primary goal is to ensure proper quality care is provided at the right time. It’s very critical especially for young women of childbearing age to know about the Dental Care. Often times unfortunately the Oral Health is bottom of the list from a priority standpoint however improper care of oral health leads to other long term health problems. There is enough research done indicating that poor oral health leads to heart diseases, diabetes.  During pregnancy, there is much more to be concerned about your oral health like tooth decay, gum disease, loose teeth. It is important to control any bacteria to reduce the risk of infection. The best recommendation is to get complete exam and evaluation as soon as you can.

Source: Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-blog/dental-health-during-pregnancy/bgp-20055788

Consider possible dental health problems during pregnancy:

  • Tooth decay. During pregnancy, increased acidity in the mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. Vomiting during pregnancy can aggravate the problem by exposing the teeth to more gastric acid.
  • Loose teeth. Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen can affect the ligaments and bones that support the teeth, causing teeth to loosen during pregnancy — even in the absence of gum disease.
  • Gum disease. The hormonal changes of pregnancy can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the superficial gum tissue. Left untreated, severe gum disease may be associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.

So what can you do to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy? Stick to the basics. Use a soft bristled toothbrush. Floss regularly. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda and water after vomiting. Mix one teaspoon baking soda in one cup water.

Ideally, schedule a dental exam before pregnancy to treat any dental problems ahead of time. Also visit your dentist regularly during pregnancy — especially if you develop a dental problem. If you have questions or concerns about dental care during pregnancy, you can also check with your healthcare provider.

Another good source of information is available at:

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/dental-work-and-pregnancy/