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The Link Between Dental Health and Pregnancy
Posted on April 25th, 2022
Why Proper Dental Care is Important During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, proper prenatal care is an important part of ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child. Dental care is a significant part of this, although not everyone knows just how significant oral health-care is in regards to pregnancy health.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help keep both the mother and baby healthy, during and after pregnancy. This is because oral health has a significant impact on our general health, and anything that affects the mother’s body will in turn affect her unborn child, as well as the child’s dental health after birth.
Impact on Infants
According to the CDC, somewhere between 60%-75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, which is an early form of periodontal disease. This condition can be aggravated by changing hormones during pregnancy. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, pain, infection, and other dental problems.
Periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, has been linked to preterm births and low birth weight in infants. Additionally, if a mother has untreated cavities, the bacteria which causes tooth decay can be more easily transmitted to her newborn, i.e. during breastfeeding, or everyday care.
When mothers have high levels of untreated cavities or tooth loss, their children are as much as 3 times more likely to have cavities, as well, and kids who have poor oral health are 3 times more likely to miss school because of dental pain.
Prenatal Dental Care
It is important for pregnant women to visit the dentist regularly for check-ups, and to ensure any dental concerns identified are addressed as soon as possible. Things like heightened tooth sensitivity or pain, bleeding, swollen, or receding gums, and other dental issues can lead to more serious oral health concerns which may affect the health of a pregnancy.
Additionally, dental issues can result from pregnancy, or existing problems can be exacerbated. For example, morning sickness can erode tooth enamel due to stomach acid frequently coming into contact with teeth, and hormonal changes can increase the risk of developing gum disease.
Finally, it is important for expecting mothers to keep up with their daily at-home dental care routines. This means brushing their teeth and flossing in the morning and at night, and avoiding consuming excessive amounts of sugar and other foods that are harmful to teeth.
Visit Windy City Family Dental
The link between oral health and pregnancy is significant, which means quality family dental care is a necessary part of prenatal care. Prenatal care should include regular teeth cleanings and examinations as well as swift dental treatment of any existing conditions, such as cavities, tooth loss, or gum disease.
If you are searching for reliable, trusted dental care from an experienced family dentist during your pregnancy, contact Windy City Family Dental today and schedule an appointment. Our team is always here to offer advice, thorough examinations, and advanced treatment in order to ensure you establish optimal oral health and maintain it throughout your life.
