You’re soon going to be a mother. You are doing all you can in every aspect of life to make sure your new baby enters a happy, safe and healthy environment and will remain so once he or she is born. You are portably making sure every part of the nursery is free of all potential risks and hazards. And you’re probably baby-roofing and checking each room in your home to get it completely ready for when you bring your child home.
But, how are you taking care of yourself? Are you monitoring every aspect of your well-being or are you neglecting certain aspects? There is a good chance that as you’re making and executing all of your daily and weekly plans and goals for the total health and well-being of your soon to be born child, you may be overlooking a very vital part of y our health.
How well are you tending to your oral health?
If you’re aware that taking care of yourself is also taking care of your baby, then you must accept that it also pertains to your oral hygiene and health. How are you stacking up in that department?
If you acknowledge that you have been neglecting your teeth and dental care, then you are highly encouraged to make an appointment with your dentist just so he or she can gauge your current oral health and design a dental health plan for the duration of your pregnancy. Taking good care of your gums and teeth, during this special phase of your life, has the potential to make a positive huge impact on the health and wellbeing of your baby – now and after he or she is born.
Why is it important to make dental health care a priority during pregnancy?
Mothers to be are particularly vulnerable to declining gum and tooth health while pregnant.
Here are the potential types of dental problems you can experience and their causes.
Your gums can be endangered while pregnant due to the hormonal changes that occur. One type of gum disease is called pregnancy gingivitis which is a condition that occurs when gums are irritated and bleed due to inflammation.
This is most uncomfortable and can lead to a further problem – periodontitis. This condition is even more serious because it can lead to bone loss. Gingivitis overall has been associated with low birthweight babies and preterm delivery. Preventable and treatable, gingivitis should not be allowed to develop while you are pregnant. Seeing your dentist and maintaining good oral hygiene habits while pregnant can help you prevent this risk.
And, as simple as this sounds, brush your teeth properly. If you think about it for a moment, you’ll agree that because you’re tired, you may not brush or floss as thoroughly or properly as necessary. So, above all else, don’t skip or skimp on your nightly tooth brushing regimen. Doing so can actually cause bacteria and plaque to build up which is a pathway to tooth decay.
Shelby Township, MI Dental Health During Pregnancy
If you want to know more about the importance of practicing good oral health while pregnant , contact HPS Dental today. We are located in Shelby Twp, MI and can be reached at (248) 652-0024. We look forward to meeting you!
