There is nothing more beautiful than seeing those two dashes appear on the pregnancy test. It is precisely from that moment that a woman immediately feels like “mom”. From the very first days the body and the psyche begin to change. We feel more emotional, tired, the senses are thinner (especially the sense of smell) and in many episodes nausea occurs.
In the latter case, few know that incorrect oral hygiene during pregnancy could cause these problems to the unborn child. When nausea appears they can last the first period, or even accompany throughout the pregnancy. The luckiest ones will have none at all, but even in this case, proper dental care should not be underestimated.
Episodes of vomiting can, as just mentioned, occur and it is good to remember to brush your teeth immediately afterwards. Better still do some rinses with water and bicarbonate in order to cancel the acidity of the gastric juices. In fact, the acids of the rejection could ruin the enamel of the teeth and weaken their defenses against caries and other pathologies of the oral cavity.
Few people know that incorrect oral hygiene during pregnancy could cause these problems to the unborn child
Gum infections could cause serious damage to the growth of the fetus in the womb, leading to premature birth or even miscarriage. So the first rule to follow is definitely to have proper nutrition. Let us also remember not to overdo it with sugars, which are harmful to the teeth, indulging the cravings that will inevitably arise.
The hormonal changes that every woman undergoes during pregnancy will also greatly affect the immune defenses, making them weaker. This can cause gum disease (gingivitis) or much more serious diseases such as periodontitis. The latter is “an inflammation of the tissues, which determines a consequent dental mobility, bleeding, abscesses, up to the loss of one or more teeth“. All these problems of the oral cavity could transmit, directly to the fetus, all those bacteria that cause tooth decay, compromising its growth.
So taking care of your teeth is always a good habit, but paying more attention to it during pregnancy will allow you to limit dental diseases not only in the expectant mother but also in the unborn child.
Guidelines to keep in mind for proper oral hygiene during pregnancy
Remember to always use your toothbrush, not only in the morning and evening as usual, but also after every meal. If you suffer from pregnancy sickness, brush your teeth well even after the episode of vomiting. It is advisable to make periodic appointments to the dentist for check-ups and to consult him whenever you feel discomfort in the teeth or gums. Last but not least, limit sugars as much as possible and favor foods rich in calcium (milk, cheese). This will help not only strengthen the mother’s teeth but also the health of her baby’s teeth once it is born.