By Arthur Kezian

We all know that taking care of your oral health is very important. Keeping up with routine dental appointments can help prevent oral problems from arising. But, did you know it was twice as important for women who are pregnant? During pregnancy, women go through radical hormonal changes resulting in tender gums that get irritated, inflamed, or start bleeding upon contact.

For the duration of these changes, gum problems and gingivitis are more likely to occur. Gum disease is linked to birth defects like prematurity, so it is important to take care of your oral health during pregnancy. Apart from the child, pregnant women are at risk for oral health issues of their own.

Plaque is the fundamental cause for most problems related to gingivitis, so what should you do to keep both your child and yourself healthier? First off, the foods you eat are very important. Try to eat healthier during these 9 months. This is important because consuming foods with high levels of sugar can produce more plaque, and in time, if not given proper care, can lead to gingivitis. For women who are pregnant, there is an exaggerated effect with this due to the change in their hormones. Follow the instructions given by your OBGYN and your dentist with reference to the right foods to eat.

Apart from eating healthier, it is very important to keep up with your dental appointments! Your dentist can check all the areas of your mouth for proper precautions. You should also make sure to schedule a cleaning during your pregnancy to keep your mouth free of tartar build-up. The best time to schedule this would be before your last trimester, preferably between your fourth and sixth month of pregnancy, for this is an important period of the baby’s development. A thorough cleaning at the dental office can help you get back on track with your oral hygiene.

Though these dental visits are important, they alone are not enough. You must maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing regularly, making sure to clean thoroughly two to three times a day. Don’t let seeing blood stop you from brushing; bleeding gums are inevitable during pregnancy. It is important for you to keep in mind that your home-care pays tribute to your overall oral health.

Conclusively, don’t forget about your dentist and your home-care when you’re pregnant, keep both you and your baby healthy! If you have any friends or family members that are planning to have children, or are pregnant, make sure you inform them about the importance of their dental visits as well.

For any questions regarding this article, feel free to contact our cosmetic dentist today! You can reach us by calling (323) 467-2777. Our staff will be more than happy to answer your questions and even schedule you an appointment!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777