Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : October 9, 2014 4:51 PM IST
March 20, 2014 is World Oral Health Day.
If you think oral care can slip from your priority list during pregnancy, think again. Experts tell us there are good reasons why you should take care of your oral hygiene during pregnancy. 'Though oral infection doesn't have a direct impact on fetal wellbeing but it can make a mother's health quotient take a dip. Oral infections in the mother can reduce her resistance power and make her prone to a host of other infections, which could in turn harm the fetus. So even though the fetus's health doesn't have a direct correlation with the mother's oral health but there is an indirect relation for sure,' says Dr Suchetan Pradhan, Pradhan Dental clinic, Mumbai. Here are five dental dos and don'ts that a woman should follow to ensure better oral hygiene and health pre and post pregnancy, and also to keep her whites in good shape during those nine months of pregnancy.
Plan for a dentist's appointment: Do this prior to planning your pregnancy. 'This is very important if you have multiple dental problems. As a norm one should avoid any dental treatment during the pregnancy period. The x-rays and the treatments can be harmful for the baby, especially during the first trimester when the vital organs of your baby are just developing,' says Dr Pradhan. Get those cavities fixed, a cleanup done and treated for any other underlying dental problems. Research suggests a link between maternal oral health during pregnancy and development of early childhood caries.
Go for a professional cleanup: Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy the tissues in the gums are more susceptible to bacteria from plaque accumulation. This makes pregnancy gingivitis common marked with bleeding gums. 'Go for a dental scaling or clean up pre pregnancy or during the early days. Keeping the gums clean can help one stay away from gingivitis causing bacteria,' says Dr Pradhan. In severe cases the gums can get swollen, fluffy leading to painful inflammation and bleeding. Know how dental troubles can cause gum diseases.
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Practice the basics: 'Do not forget to brush and floss during pregnancy. Also use other oral physiotherapy devices to make sure you keep your whites clean and devoid of plaque accumulation to avoid gingivitis,' says Dr Pradhan. Advanced gingivitis can lead to periodontal diseases. In periodontitis, the gums pull away, forming spaces around the teeth causing bacteria to dwell, hence increasing the chances of an infection. Studies show that the bacteria enters the blood stream through the mouth and travels to the uterus causing premature birth and low birth weight of the child. Learn of more ways to keep cavities at bay.
Reach for help in the right direction: 'If anytime during the pregnancy you feel that problems like bleeding gums or cavities are causing you much troubles never self treat. Instead your treatment should be done by your dentist in conjunction with your gynecologist. Make sure that you inform both about your condition and the treatments that have been planned for you. Your gynecologist and your dentist should be on the same page when it comes to dental treatment during pregnancy,' says Dr Pradhan.
Check your diet: Remember most of your dental troubles depend upon the type of diet you subject yourself too. 'Eat lots of fruits that can help reduce instances of cavities and plaque buildup. Avoid sugary foods and aerated drinks that cause harm to your teeth,' says Dr Pradhan.
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