Oh, Baby!

Why You Need To See Your Dentist Before You Get Pregnant

There’s much to consider before getting pregnant – the cost of raising a child, child-care arrangements … and also whether your oral health is good.

Not All Oral Care Issues Are Problematic During Pregnancy

The common myth is that women’s teeth lose calcium during pregnancy. According to the American Dental Association, this is nothing more than a myth. Your baby gets its calcium from your diet, not your bones or teeth.

Many pregnant women experience “pink toothbrush” – where a small amount of blood ends up on the toothbrush or in the sink – during pregnancy. Generally, this is due to the increased blood flow to the mouth during pregnancy.

One Oral Health Issue That Should Concern Pregnant Women

The main oral-health concern for pregnant women is periodontal disease.  The presence of periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bones in the mouth, can lead to premature birth. According to a five-year study conducted by the University of North Carolina, pregnant women with moderate to severe periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to deliver a premature baby with a low birth weight.

The exact link is not understood, but the research suggest that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and inflammation of the gums enters the bloodstream and affects the health of the fetus.

What Can Pregnant Women Do To Improve Oral Health?

First and foremost, pregnant women, or those planning to become pregnant, should see their dentist to rule out the possibility of periodontal disease.
Secondly, at-home oral care can go a long way toward keeping pregnant womens’ mouths healthy. Thorough brushing and flossing daily can significantly reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Another way to easily support gum and tooth health is by using oral care probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help keep harmful bacteria in check by competing with them for space and nutrients in the mouth.

It’s a simple case of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” when it comes to reducing the risk of periodontal disease causing premature labor in women. With regular visits to the dentist and good at-home oral care, women take a big step toward full-term labor.

To learn more about better oral health care yourself and your baby during pregnancy, be sure to Follow Linda on Twitter and join our facebook page Evora Plus.