Dental care during pregnancy is much more important when compared to other times of your life. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can bring a lot of changes in a woman’s body and also increase the risk of various dental problems like gum disease or gingivitis, which can even affect the health of your baby.
So, regular dental exams during pregnancy are much more important. According to the American Dental Association, annual dental exams and preventive dental cleanings are not only safe during pregnancy, but are highly recommended.
Rapid hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling and bleeding of the gums. When the food particles got stuck, it can cause gum irritation leading to severe discomfort during pregnancy. So, it is essential to get preventive dental work during the first trimester of pregnancy in order to avoid complications like preterm labor.
Here are the essential details works you should consider during pregnancy first trimester:
Dental cleaning: Apart from brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, every pregnant woman should consider professional teeth cleaning at least once during their pregnancy. It is always safe for first-trimester pregnancy and dental cleaning. According to the study, a woman with gum disease who had got their teeth cleaned during the first trimester had a six times lower risk of preterm birth. If your plaque buildup is larger than 3 millimeters, your dentist will perform scaling and root planning.
Treating Tooth sensitivity: Sensitivity of tooth is the most common problem during pregnancy and is due to various problems like gum disease, hurting or loose teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, soreness, and lumps in the mouth. These can cause sensitivity and make your eating much more painful. Sometimes they can even cause bad breath. If you notice any of these conditions, you should immediately consult your dentist. For sensitive teeth, your doctor may prescribe fluoride toothpaste than can even prevent tooth decay.
Tooth fillings: First-trimester tooth fillings is only recommended for a few kinds of filling materials. But in case the infection has spread a long way, fillings can be recommended by your healthcare provider to reduce the chances of infection. There are some kinds of fillings that are considered as safe during pregnancy. Talk to your dentist to know about the safest option.
Apart from getting these essential dental works, it is suggested to follow preventive dental care, such as regular use of mouthwash. Make sure that mouthwash should not contain any alcohol. Usually, pregnant women are entitled to free dental treatment, which is also available for 12 months after the birth of your child.
