Pregnancy is exciting and fulfilling, full of joy and anticipation, especially for young mothers. It also comes with so many changes in a woman’s body including oral health. Every stage of pregnancy involves several hormonal imbalances that can also impact the health of gums and teeth. So much attention should be paid to dental health during this time. If oral health is not looked after, then it can cause a problem both for the mother as well as the child. In this blog, we’ll talk about how pregnancy influences oral health, and which disorders need dental care during pregnancy. Why you must visit a Dublin dentist or an emergency dentist in Columbus Ohio and when it’s time for it!

How Pregnancy Affects Oral Health? 

With the range of hormonal changes accompanying the state of pregnancy, levels of progesterone and estrogens increase in the body, causing effects on oral health. It is also termed as pregnancy gingivitis and this is due to the hormonal changes during which gums become spongy and bleed with even slight provocation. The situation not only endangers the mother’s health but can also trigger childhood gum disease in the baby if their oral hygiene is not kept right.

Additionally, Studies revealed that bacterial infections in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and further infect other parts of the body. Those include the heart and lungs. That’s why proper oral care during pregnancy is very important. For expectant mothers, it is essential to keep regular appointments with a Dublin dentist.  This would help ensure any dental conditions are caught early, so you and your baby stay healthy throughout this period.

Common Dental Issues Expecting Mothers Face

Those pregnancy hormones that make you glow can also expose you to several dental problems, including:

• Pregnancy Gingivitis: This condition causes swollen and bleeding gums and is due to a greater-than-normal aggregation of plaque, which is precipitated by hormonal conditions. The best prevention is a rigorous oral hygiene regimen.
• Tooth Decay: Since you tend to vomit a lot during morning sickness it increases the exposure of your teeth to acid, which greatly heightens the risk of a person getting cavities. On top of that, lots of consumption of sugary foods between meals may put you at a very increased risk of developing dental caries as well.
• Pregnancy Tumors: The growth of noncancerous structures on the gums appears in the form of pregnancy tumors when the plaque develops and hormonal balance is somehow disturbed. It is not dangerous but causes a lot of pain, so it has to be taken care of by a dentist.

If you have any of the following symptoms, then you should seek an emergency dentist in Columbus Ohio as soon as possible to avoid problems.

Essential Dental Care Tips for Expecting Mothers

The common understanding is that optimal oral hygiene during pregnancy should be supplemented by appropriate nutrition and regular dental visits. Here are some tips that can help:

• Keep Your Mouth Clean: Use a toothbrush and fluoride paste to scrub your teeth after every meal, or at least twice a day, and use dental floss daily. An antimicrobial mouthwash can also be effective in plaque control and maintenance of gum health.
• Diet: A healthy balanced diet, full of calcium, vitamins, and minerals, will help maintain good oral health. Good foods include dairy products, leafy greens and nuts, as well as avoidance of sugary snacks and acidic products.
• Regular Dental Visits: Your teeth will, at this stage, need basic visits at a Dublin dentist. At this point, your dentist may clean the teeth while assessing your oral health and proper advice on keeping a healthy smile during pregnancy. 

The Truth About Dental Treatments During Pregnancy

Dental treatment is a nightmare for most pregnant women. A few common objections along with their counter-arguments are mentioned below:

• X-rays: Safe with adequate shielding, only when decidedly essential.
• Local anesthesia: The dose can be given as needed and can be safely prescribed.
• Dental cleanings: Safe and even often recommended by providers of prenatal care.

It is advised that one should visit an emergency dentist in Columbus Ohio at least twice during the pregnancy. During the second period, and then during the third period when he has to advise one on oral care in pregnancy.

Your Oral Health, Your Baby’s Health

A mother’s oral health determines the baby’s health. If mothers carry untreated gum diseases, it can result in some very serious outcomes for babies: one leads to low birth weight and eventually preterm labor. Additionally, harmful bacteria produced by gum diseases in the mother’s mouth are then passed on to the baby, causing childhood gum disease. At Dublin Metro Dental, our emphasis is on oral care for pregnant women.! Plus, having an emergency dentist in Columbus, Ohio, ensures peace of mind for any unexpected dental issues.

Call us today to make your appointment and start on the road to optimal dental health for you and your baby.