Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : October 9, 2014 5:10 PM IST
Dental care is crucial during pregnancy. The hormonal changes that happen at this time sadly do not spare the oral cavity. During pregnancy the gums become more susceptible to bacteria and plaque due to the various changes happening inside the body along with suppressed immunity. Gum diseases during pregnancy (also called pregnancy gingivitis) is often marked with swollen and bleeding gums. Also accumulation of tartar and plaque in the gaps and surface of the teeth can give rise to an oral infection during pregnancy.
Pregnancy gingivitis is common, hence it is imperative to keep the teeth and gum clean by practising good dental care habits. Brush and floss twice daily to keep bacteria and plaque formation at bay. Regular dental procedures should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. But if dental troubles bother you pay a visit to your dentist immediately because oral infections can affect your baby's overall growth and wellbeing too. Severe and untreated dental diseases can be associated with miscarriages and a slow growth rate of the fetus. Also read 5 dos and don'ts of dental hygiene during pregnancy.
Get a professional cleaning done even before your pregnancy to help you deal better with dental woes. Also eat a healthy balance meal devoid of sugary foods and drinks that can lead to tartar and plaque formation.
Previous: Pregnancy Tip #5Next: Pregnancy Tip #7
You may also like to read:
For more articles on pregnancy, visit our pregnancy section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
