Eyes & Smiles - Expert 5* Dentist in Friern Barnet N11

Dental Care during Pregnancy is very important because at this stage the hormonal changes are very common which can increase the risk of having gum disease and other dental problems. Neglect of dental health can also affect the health of your baby in the womb.

What kind of things can my dentist pick up on in my pregnancy?

Family dentist N11 would like to remind you about several problems which can affect the health of the woman and the developing baby during pregnancies:

• Pregnancy-related gingivitis is one of the major problems which attacks the dental health of pregnant women, and is due to poor oral hygiene. If it is not treated in time then it may lead to high risk of having severe irreversible gum problems. Due to the differences in hormone balance, the body's response to even a small amount of plaque can have a larger impact than let's say a large amount of plaque on someone who is not pregnant
  
• Pregnant women are more prone to cavities due to several reasons. Morning sickness contributes to increased acid within the oral environment, which erodes rapidly through enamel, leaving the tooth with less protection from bacteria. Bacteria which cause decay prefer an acidic environment. Certain cravings during pregnancy can also increase the rate of decay progressing in teeth. This is due to both the type of craving, if it is sugar-based, and the high frequency of it's consummation. Frequent snacking does not allow the saliva in our mouths enough time to remineralise the acids consumed.
  
• Pregnancy tumors are benign overgrowths of gum and soft tissues between the teeth. With this condition, pregnant women may find that their gum bleeds profusely even when lightly touched. However, in most cases this symptom disappears after delivery in the majority of cases. It is made worse by presence of plaque, which in itself causes inflammation. Sometimes these lesions, if found, require a referral to the hospital so that they can be safely removed.
  
• The developing baby in the womb may also get affected by women's dental issues. Bacteria can pass to the stomach, which can harm the baby's growth. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight
  

Also Read: RECYCLE YOUR ORAL CARE PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING!

Some of the Important Dental Care Tips To Be Followed

Best Emergency Dentist in Finchley said that it is important to maintain excellent dental care whilst pregnant since a mother's health can affect the health of her unborn baby. Here are some effective tips to cure your teeth while pregnant:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  
• Flossing, or better, using interdental brushes can remove the hidden food particles between the teeth.
  
• Avoid eating too much junk food because it contains acidic elements that are not good for your health.
  
• You cannot avoid morning sickness but you can avoid its disadvantages. Rinse your teeth with a regular fluoride mouthwash to neutralize the stomach acid's side effects to the teeth.
  
• Ensure that you never brush the teeth straight after vomiting as you will be scratching away softened enamel.
  
• Maintain, where possible, regular visits to the dentist during pregnancy for proper check-ups and cleaning of the teeth. Ensure you inform your dentist of any changes to your general health during your visits, including when you become pregnant and when you are due.
  
• Avoid eating at night time just before sleeping as much as possible. During the night we do not produce as much saliva - therefore we are less protected from acid.
  

Ensure you are taking enough vitamin D and calcium supplements.

The most important thing to remember is to look after yourself during pregnancy. Generally speaking, with good care of health and teeth, most of the above mentioned dental conditions will improve or stabilize after pregnancy is over. So long as the mother's calcium intake is adequate, it is the bones, not the teeth, that supply the baby it's calcium. This temporary calcium loss is reversed as soon as breast feeding is stopped. We often hear the myth at the dental clinic 'my baby stole the calcium from my teeth' - for the majority of mothers this is never true.