Get Oral Health while You’re Pregnant!
Have you ever heard about periodontal disease? If you are a pregnant woman, beware of this disease!
Why?
American Academy of Periodontology states there is now evidence that mothers having babies born prematurely at a low birth weight is caused not only by smoking, alcohol use, and drug use but also by periodontal disease (The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth”).
Pregnant women who have this disease may have seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects gums and bone supporting the teeth. All infections in pregnant women should be cautioned since they may affect the health of the baby.
How does periodontal disease affect pregnancy outcomes?
More researches are required to confirm this effect though. It looks that this disease triggers the level of liquids that induce labor in pregnant women’s body to increase.
How to prevent it?
You must take care of your oral health. Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women frequently undergo oral sensitivity. Thus, you should take care of your gums and teeth in a better way than what you have done before you get pregnant.
- brush and floss every day to prevent tooth decay and remove plaque from your teeth and gums
- use a soft-bristled brush, as the gums become more sensitive when you’re pregnant
- brush your teeth carefully and gently, at least twice a day, after each meal or at bed time
- after brushing, rinsing your mouth with mouthwashes also helps remove the bacteria
- replace your toothbrush regularly (at least every 3 months)
With oral hygiene routine, pregnant women can prevent their babies from harm that should not happen when their mothers can take care of their own health.
