Dental hygiene is always important, but pregnancy is a time when special attention must be paid. Why is this so? The changes in a pregnant woman’s body, especially from a hormonal point of view, make her more prone to dental and gum disease. In addition, oral health has an impact on the course of the pregnancy and delivery. Your South Shore dentist tells you everything you need to know.
At the Centre Dentaire & D’implantologie Boucherville, we take care of your health at every stage of your life and during important moments like pregnancy. Entrust your concerns to your dentist in Boucherville for personalized guidance.
Pregnancy, a Time of Upheaval
As you know, pregnancy is a time when hormones are in overdrive. Estrogen and progesterone are among the hormones leading to increased sensitivity of the gums, as well as a decrease in saliva, which protects against bacteria. Plaque build-ups then infect this weakened soft tissue faster.
Although gingivitis is very common and benign, it can worsen and affect other tissues of the periodontium, which supports the teeth. In fact, about 50% of pregnant women will develop gingivitis. In order to avoid the development of periodontitis, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and to treat gingivitis properly.
One of the common symptoms of gingivitis, which often appears between the second and eighth month of pregnancy, is bleeding gums. This bleeding is not serious and in no way means that you should reduce brushing or flossing. On the contrary, removing plaque can prevent gingivitis from getting worse.
Brushing and flossing twice a day is an essential first step in keeping your mouth healthy by fighting harmful bacteria.
Studies have shown that poor dental hygiene can lead to premature delivery, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction. So don’t take your dental health lightly – it doesn’t affect just you.
Pregnancy makes you more sensitive, and some patients tell us that they feel nauseous when they brush their teeth. If this is the case, ask yourself if the problem is the taste of your toothpaste or the size of your toothbrush. Changing your toothpaste or choosing a smaller or more rounded brush can make a big difference.
Also, if you are suffering from vomiting, it is advisable to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash first. This will quickly remove stomach acids, which are harmful to enamel. You can then brush your teeth after 30 minutes.
Going to the dentist should never be a cause for concern during pregnancy. On the contrary, it is strongly recommended to take a look at your oral health in order to detect gingivitis: it can also be asymptomatic!
Most dental treatments are not dangerous for your unborn child either. Do not hesitate to contact your Dagenais and Lachapelle Dental Center to find out more about the operations that are or are not recommended during pregnancy.
X-rays can also help detect certain dental conditions. If you are pregnant, mention it to your dentist first so that the necessary precautions can be taken. It is quite possible to perform an X-ray by protecting the abdomen and the thyroid gland with a special apron and a collar.
All in all, good oral hygiene is essential to your health and the success of your pregnancy.
Your Dentist Takes Care of You
At the Centre Dentaire & D’implantologie Boucherville, our team accompanies you at every stage of your pregnancy. They also ensure the proper development of your child’s teeth by giving you sound advice on nutrition and care.
