Pregnant Women and Dental Visits
It is important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy as well as throughout different life stages.
Women are being encouraged to include dentists as part of the team of health professionals they consult during pregnancy.
According to a new study of a 1000 pregnant women commissioned by the Australian dental Association, 60% of pregnant women in New South Wales avoided visiting the dentist.
Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy can make gums bleed and swell more, and become more inflamed, leading to an increased risk of gum disease during pregnancy.
Gum disease during pregnancy can lead to premature birth and a low weight baby.
Acids in vomit due to morning sickness can weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Pregnant women suffering from morning sickness should not brush their teeth for a least one hour after vomiting, but instead, rinse their mouth a few times with a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda mixed into a cup of water, or, chew sugarfree gum.
And lastly, pregnant women with tooth decay can pass bacteria from their mouth to their babies mouth.
Pregnant women can avoid or minimize the above oral health impacts that can happen during pregnancy by maintaining regular checkups and getting their teeth professionally cleaned, combined with a consistent oral health regime.
Good oral health benefits the unborn child too.