How Should Dental Health Be During Pregnancy?

Paying attention to oral and dental health during pregnancy is critical to reduce the risk of dental and gum problems that can be caused by hormonal changes. Therefore, pre-pregnancy health checks are important. Healthy eating habits, adequate calcium intake and the use of toothpastes containing fluoride can support dental health.

Regular dental check-ups, teeth cleaning, flossing, healthy eating, attention to morning sickness, use of fluoride toothpaste, informing the dentist and radiation precautions are among the measures to be taken. These practices can help prevent dental problems that may occur during pregnancy and support both mother and baby health. Maintaining oral and dental health during pregnancy is important for overall health and it may be useful to seek advice from a dentist.

Why Dental Care is Important during Pregnancy

Dental care during pregnancy is important because maintaining oral and dental health during pregnancy can affect the overall health of the expectant mother and the healthy development of the baby. Important reasons for dental care during pregnancy:

Hormonal Changes and Gum Problems: Increased hormone levels during pregnancy can cause problems such as tenderness, swelling and bleeding in the gums. This condition is called "pregnancy gingivitis". Regular dental care and dental check-ups play an important role in maintaining gum health.

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: Hormonal changes and increased sugar consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, regular brushing, flossing and healthy eating habits can help prevent tooth decay.

Morning sickness and acidic effects: Morning sickness, which is common during pregnancy, can adversely affect oral hygiene. After nausea, the mouth should be rinsed with water; this can reduce acidic effects.

Impacts on Infant Health:
Notifying Your Dentist: Notifying your dentist that you are pregnant can help him/her take appropriate measures to take into account your pregnancy status.

Radiation Caution: Caution should be exercised regarding radiation exposure during pregnancy. Unless necessary, radiographic examinations should be postponed or appropriate protection should be provided.

Tooth Problems Due to Hormonal Changes: In pregnancy, increased hormone levels can affect tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. Paying attention to dental care can help prevent such problems.

Suggestions for Maintaining Dental Health During Pregnancy

To maintain dental health during pregnancy, it is important to pay attention to the following recommendations:

Regular Dental Checkups: Visiting the dentist regularly during pregnancy is important to prevent or treat dental problems at an early stage.

Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing teeth at least twice a day is an essential step to maintain gum health and prevent cavities. Flossing can also help remove plaque between teeth.

Using Toothpaste with Fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. Using toothpastes containing fluoride can reduce the risk of cavities.

Healthy Eating Habits: Adequate intake of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D supports tooth and bone health for both mother and baby.

Precautions against morning sickness: It is important to pay attention to oral hygiene due to morning sickness and to clean the mouth after nausea.

Radiation Precaution: It is important to postpone radiographic examinations unless necessary and to take appropriate protective measures, taking into account the pregnancy status.

Notifying Your Dentist About Your Pregnancy: Notifying your dentist that you are pregnant helps to take appropriate precautions and plan safe dental treatment during pregnancy.

Habit of Drinking Water: Drinking water frequently can reduce the acidic effects in the mouth and clean teeth by increasing salivation.

Using Sensitivity-Related Products: Dental sensitivity can increase during pregnancy. Using sensitive toothpastes or special tooth sensitivity products can help provide relief.

Postnatal Check-ups: It is important to take care of dental health even after the birth. Dental problems can arise due to hormonal changes, so regular check-ups should be continued.