Dental Health During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy is a beautiful, yet tiring phase that can take a toll on your overall health. Your oral health is also affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy and this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Hence, it is important for women to take extra care of their dental health during pregnancy. 

In this article, our oral care experts at Julita S Patil DDS Inc. in Concord, California, explain how you can take care of your dental health during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and Dental Health

One of the most common concerns during pregnancy is the safety of the mother and the child during dental checkups. This can be due to fear of certain procedures or X-rays that emit radiation.

This fear, however, can lead to complications for both the mother and the child. The hormones released during pregnancy influence oral health, resulting in gingivitis and tooth decay.

When you skip your dental appointment even after observing symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums, you allow periodontal disease to progress. This condition can also affect your baby, resulting in premature delivery or low birth weight.

Oral Health Care Tips for Expecting Moms

Below are some useful tips to follow during pregnancy to take care of your dental health:

• Make an appointment with a dentist  Concord CA as soon as possible after you find out you're expecting.
• To avoid tooth decay, eat nutritious snacks and stay away from sugary meals and drinks.
• If you vomit, gargle with a teaspoon of baking soda diluted in a cup of water and wait an hour before cleaning your teeth. 
• Drink water rich in fluoride (tap water). Most water filters also do not remove fluoride as it helps prevent tooth decay.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash or rinse your mouth with warm saline water frequently. This helps strengthen the teeth and protect the gums.

Dental Health During Breastfeeding

Oral health issues will not disappear after your delivery. If breastfeeding mothers don't stay hydrated or brush and floss regularly, they're more likely to develop dental decay.

Also, a developing child requires more calcium and this also means mothers may lose up to 5% of their bone mass during breastfeeding. So, make sure to increase your calcium intake and consult your dentist for any additional supplements you may need.

To learn more about dental health during pregnancy and breastfeeding, call (925) 689-2585 or visit Julita S Patil DDS Inc. at 2991 Treat Blvd Suite A, Concord, CA 94518.