MEDICAL INSIDER-DR. RHODA ENTERO
Dental Care During Pregnancy
Part 8
There is a saying: “Your Diet Will Affect Your Baby”.
Indeed, your baby’s teeth development will begin between the third and sixth months of pregnancy. Eating well will promote correct formation. The expectant mother has to eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium, and phosphorous. To avoid neural tube defects, take 600 mcg of folic acid every day of pregnancy. Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth.
Proper dental care means improved pregnancy outcomes and comfort to the expecting mom. Dental medications and procedures do not pose any detrimental effects to the mother and the baby’s health. Good dental care during pregnancy aims to maintain optimal health for you and your baby.
Let’s Create Awareness
It is said that not all pregnant women are aware on how to take care of their oral health. Conducting campaigns on oral health and providing free dental services for the expecting moms will minimize cases of poor oral health.
Pregnant women are more prone to periodontal (gum) disease and cavities. Oral health may be considered an important part of prenatal care, given that poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for the mother and baby.
Pregnant women ought to reinforce routine oral health maintenance, such as limiting sugary foods and drinks, brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once daily, and dental visits twice a year.
There is such a condition as pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease when some women get swollen and sore gums, which may bleed, during pregnancy. Bleeding gums are caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding.
I repeat: since pregnancy may make women more prone to periodontal (gum) disease and cavities, oral health should be considered an important part of prenatal care, given that poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for the mother and baby. (To be continued)