Good Teeth: They Don't Have to Be in Your Genes

Pregnancy comes with certain challenges such as maintaining a healthy set of teeth and gums. Unfortunately, dental issues arise during pregnancy because of hormone changes and other external factors like medications. To help minimize dental issues, it is best to know how to maintain a healthy smile throughout your pregnancy.

Routine Examinations

Even though most dentists discourage dental work during pregnancy, you should still visit your dentist on a regular basis. Hormones are known to cause dental issues such as pregnancy gingivitis, gum disease and tumors. For most people, these issues disappear after the baby is born, but you may require help managing the symptoms until the baby comes.

When an issue arises, you can experience discoloration, bleeding and swollen gums. One condition that affects an average of 10 percent of pregnant women is the development of non-cancerous tumors. These tumors do not spread throughout the body, but they can cause you to experience some pain while the growth is still there. 

To help reduce these issues from happening during your pregnancy, it is best to have routine examinations. These exams allow the dentist to monitor your oral health and help you develop a method for dealing with problem. For example, the dentist can prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections or they can help choose a more effective toothbrush and toothpaste that you can use to maintain your daily oral care.

Proper Diet

Another way to maintain your oral health throughout your pregnancy is to create a proper diet. Foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D are essential for promoting healthy teeth and gums.

You can find these nutrients in dairy products, breads and some seafood such as salmon with bones. Understanding the different foods and drinks that you should increase during your pregnancy is an efficient manner for reducing dental issues during this portion of your life.

On the other hand, there is another advantage for increasing your calcium and vitamin D intake while pregnant. The reason to do so is that these nutrients will help with the development of your baby's teeth as well. Most babies start to develop their teeth while in utero. During this time, the baby will ingest the same minerals and vitamins that you consume, which is why you must maintain a proper diet.

Maintaining your oral health is an important goal, especially while you are pregnant. It is best to work alongside your dentist to create a plan for managing both your teeth and gums. In many cases, routine exams and a proper diet will allow you to accomplish this goal in an effective manner. (For more information, contact Dr. Dean Simmons DDS PA or another dentist)