Women's dental health is affected during pregnancy:
Many beliefs related to pregnancy and oral health have been passed down from generation to generation.
Q. Is it true that a woman loses a tooth with each pregnancy?
- The common belief is that women lose a tooth with each pregnancy.
However, with good oral hygiene and professional oral health care, pregnant women's teeth can remain healthy.
Q. Is it true that a baby steals its mother's calcium while in the womb?
- Another common belief is that the unborn baby takes calcium from the pregnant woman's teeth causing cavities. Of course, this is not true.
During pregnancy, women may be at higher risk of developing cavities because they eat more often to prevent nausea.
Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable. However, if left untreated, cavities can cause tooth pain and can lead to tooth loss.
Q. Are pregnant women really more at risk of getting gingivitis?
- When women are pregnant, their bodies undergo very complex changes. Many women notice that their gums are sore, swollen, or tend to bleed.
These are the symptoms of gingivitis, an infection of the gum tissue.
Anyone can get gingivitis.
However, pregnant women are at a higher risk of getting gingivitis due to hormonal changes.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to more serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Q. How can pregnant women prevent tooth decay and gingivitis?
- The best way for pregnant women to prevent cavities and gingivitis is to keep their teeth and gums clean.
The best way to keep pregnant women's gums and teeth healthy is to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste or cream, floss once a day, and have their teeth cleaned by a dental professional. dental health. Avoiding foods that are high in sugar also helps.
If decay is already present, the only way to stop it is through treatment at your dentist's office.
If cavities and gingivitis are prevented or treated, there is no reason for pregnant women to lose their teeth.
