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What Pregnant Women Should Know
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There is plenty to think about during pregnancy. For most women, maintaining good health is a primary goal. In order to achieve it, pregnant women are encouraged to eat healthier, avoid smoking and drinking, and incorporate moderate exercise into their day. But there needs to be another component to their daily health routine-superior oral care. Many expectant mothers may simply believe that pregnancy leads to a deterioration of their oral health. But with a bit of extra attention, good oral health can be maintained all through the pregnancy. More importantly, maintaining healthy gums may be linked to delivering a healthy baby. Many women experience more bleeding and swollen gums during pregnancy. These gum problems develop during the second trimester and are due to an increase in estrogen and progesterone that stimulates blood flow. The resulting changes are making it easier for plaque to develop on the teeth, which, as a result, will further enhance gingival inflammation and its clinical signs. However, a thorough oral care routine, as recommended by dental professionals, can help pregnant women keep their teeth free of plaque and offset the risk of gum disease. An Oral Routine for Pregnancy During pregnancy, daily brushing and flossing are important. Some women are very tired and may ignore the significance of their daily oral hygiene routines. Knowing how important oral hygiene is may provide the needed incentive. It has been reported that pregnant women can experience nausea during tooth brushing. If this is the case, using clinically proven anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes are recommended. And continue flossing, doing it more often to compensate. Also, understand that eating frequently throughout the day, which many pregnant women find themselves doing to ease nausea, isn't in the best interest of your teeth, especially snacks made up of starchy, sticky or sugary snacks, such as sodas, crackers and hard candies. These foods generate more plaque than others and can lead to cavities. If you do need to snack, choose crunchy vegetables or fruit. They increase the flow of saliva, which will neutralize the acids plaque produced from snack including carbohydrates. Also, try to brush after snacks, or at least rinse the mouth with water. Make regular dental visits a priority, just as you would an appointment with the obstetrician. When you go for dental care, be sure to inform your dentist and/or dental hygienist that you are pregnant. If gum disease develops, indicated by sore or inflamed gums, see a dentist immediately. Remember, oral care is always important, but even more of a priority during pregnancy. Cultivate and maintain good habits and gum disease can be prevented, giving you one less thing to worry about during pregnancy.
+ Oral Care as Part of Overall Care
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