The old
wives’ tale that warns a woman’ to expect a lost tooth for every baby’
It is false statement!!
Pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth.
Pregnancy
can lead to dental problems in some women, including gum disease and tooth
decay.
With proper
hygiene at home and professional help from your dentist, your teeth should
remain healthy throughout pregnancy.
Does the calcium for
the baby’s teeth come from my teeth?
The truth is
it comes from your diet. A healthy and balanced diet will provide you with the
calcium, phosphorous, and other vitamins and minerals needed for your baby’s
teeth and bones.
Does pregnancy affect
my gums?
During pregnancy, the gum problems that occur are not due to
increased plaque, but a worse response to plaque as a result of increased
hormone levels.
Gingivitis
(gum inflammation) is more likely to occur during second through eight
months pregnancy. Symptoms include swelling of the gums and bleeding,
particularly during brushing and flossing between teeth.
Undiagnosed
or untreated periodontal disease – pregnancy may worsen this chronic
gum infection, which is caused by untreated gingivitis and can lead to tooth
loss.
Occasionally, overgrowth of gum tissues, (pregnancy epulis) which is
non-cancerous swelling appears on the gum during the second trimester
especially in between your teeth and the area of excess plaque.
What is the best way to
care for my teeth?
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Antiplaque/anti-gingivitis mouthrinse
