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Pregnant women need to ensure their general health and their dental health. Most women take their oral health for granted during their pregnancy. But it may not be suitable for your as well as the unborn baby's health. As the months pass, a pregnant woman may face several uncomfortable health issues, but she should not overlook oral conditions. Pregnant women need to make extra effort to care for their dental health. 

Reasons to Care for Your Dental Health

There are several reasons you need to care for your dental health during pregnancy:

• Risk of Gingivitis 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can adversely affect your teeth and gums, making them vulnerable to decay and plaque. The gums tend to accumulate more plaque than usual during your pregnancy. This can cause bleeding, infection, and weakness leading to gingivitis. If not treated promptly, gingivitis can lead to premature births and underweight babies. 

• Tooth Decay 

The hormones and acidity levels in your gastrointestinal system can cause tooth decay. To maintain efficient oral health, brush twice a day, floss your teeth, and regularly undergo dental exams and cleanings.

• Calcium Intake 

Calcium is a significant component of teeth and is a vital contributing factor to a baby's growth in the womb. If the baby does not get a sufficient quantity of calcium from your diet, the body absorbs calcium from your bones and teeth to provide for the child's development. But this can adversely affect your bone health. Hence it becomes crucial that you consume calcium-rich food like dairy products and green leafy vegetables.

• Loose Teeth 

The fluctuating hormone levels in your body can result in loose teeth. The high progesterone and estrogen levels may weaken the ligaments and bones that support your teeth. Thankfully, the teeth return to normal once your hormone levels are stable. Therefore you should avoid picking on loose teeth during the pregnancy period. 

How to Care for Your Teeth During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a lovely phase in every woman's life and is best enjoyed with good dental and overall health. Make extra efforts to care for yourself, including:

• Follow good oral hygiene practices to prevent and reduce oral health problems, including brushing and flossing twice daily.
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
• If you observe any abnormal changes in your gums, avail of dental help.
• Don't miss your routine dental checkup appointment.
• Get your professional teeth cleanings.

It's imperative to stay on top of your oral health during pregnancy to avoid potential problems. If you need any further information, visit us at Dawkins Family Dental, 440 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655, or call us at (662) 234-5725 and schedule an appointment.