Dental or oral health is a crucial aspect of the overall good health and wellness of a person. When a person is pregnant, it becomes a major part of their prenatal care as well. Being pregnant increases the risk for developing oral health problems. Some of these problems might even affect the pregnancy. For example, as per some studies, there is a link between gum disease and premature birth. Premature babies might have to deal with greater health issues than babies born full term. Hence, it is imperative for pregnant women to seek guidance from experienced dentists like Dr. Kami Hoss in regards to caring for their dental health properly.

Taking care of the mouth, teeth and gums properly during the time of pregnancy can help women to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. There are many changes that take place in the body of a woman during pregnancy, which may impact their teeth and gums. For example:

Pregnant women have increased levels of particular hormones like estrogen and estrogen in their bodies. These hormones might increase the risk of particular health problems.

The eating habits of women often changes during their pregnancy. They might eat certain types of food way more when they were pregnant, than they used to do before. The type of food a person eats impacts their dental health.

It is normal to feel more tired than usual during pregnancy. However, due to this tiredness, women may neglect to brush and flossing their teeth properly.  Certain women even face nausea while brushing and flossing during pregnancy.

The changes mentioned above can increase the risk of developing dental problems like:

Cavities: This implies to small, damaged areas on the surface of the teeth. Being pregnant increases the risk of developing cavities quite a bit. Moreover, mothers may even pass the bacteria that cause cavities to their baby during pregnancy.  This may result in problems for the teeth of the baby in the future.

Gingivitis: In this condition, the gums become swollen and red.  If left untreated, gingivitis may cause severe gum diseases. Pregnancy hormones might increase the risk for gingivitis. In fact, around sixty to seventy-five percentage of pregnant women have gingivitis. They have to deal with tenderness, swelling and redness of the gums, and even gum bleeding.

Loose teeth: High levels of the hormones like estrogen and progesterone during the time of the pregnancy might loosen up the bones and tissues that keep the teeth in its proper place. This situation can even result in tooth loss.

To avoid dental problems, it is important to consult an experienced and qualified dentist like Dr. Kami Hoss during pregnancy. Pregnant women should tell their dentist clearly about the names and dosages of all drugs they are taking, including medications and prenatal vitamins. The dentist might create a dental plan for the patient based on this information.