Pregnancy affects the whole body in various ways. Changes in hormonal levels do impact the body parts. Talking about teeth, it comes under the oral hygiene, which, if not properly maintained, can be too stressful. Also, if not treated well in time, it can be tough for you as well as your baby. It is very important to inform your dentist about your pregnancy and the month that is going on. Pregnancy becomes a sensitive matter when it comes to dental problems. Therefore, it needs to be taken into account as soon as possible. 

Dental problems during the three trimesters 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to gum disease, which can increase the risk of low birth weight or preterm birth. Various dental issues and problems include: 

• Loose teeth 
• Pregnancy gingivitis  
• Dental cavities 
• Tooth erosion 
• Periodontal disease 
• Pregnancy tumors 

Ways of protecting dental health during pregnancy 

• Maintaining good oral hygiene helps in reducing the risk of complications, thereby preventing dental problems as well as the risk to the baby. 
• Staying hydrated is the best option for pregnant women as it will help in washing away bacteria and removing the stuck particles, which prevent the teeth from decaying. Rinsing the mouth after vomiting right after waking up due to morning sickness is crucial. Throwing up can lead to stomach acid causing enamel erosion, which can further lead to discolouration, increased sensitivity, or tooth decay. 
• Visiting a dentist is important during pregnancy if you are facing any dental issues. The treatments are usually safe, but they are practised with caution. 
• Controlling cravings is of utmost importance because if you crave sugary stuff and you keep on consuming high sugar content, it will lead to toothache and tooth decay or gum diseases, which may be harmful for the baby. Find substitutes like fruits and yoghurt to fulfil your cravings instead of chocolates and sweets. A little ice cream does not harm, but a large portion would be harmful. 

Myths about dental care during pregnancy 

Experiencing an intense toothache or any infection requires a call to the dentist. 

• While some people believe it is not good to visit the dentist during pregnancy, it is the most nonsensical thing to believe in. Dental concerns should not be avoided in any trimester, as it is not only safe and secure but also essential for the pregnant woman as well as the unborn baby. 
• Though people are right that during pregnancy, our teeth become weak, but they are mistaken about the fact that it becomes unsafe to visit the dentist for treatment or take medication for the same. Dental treatments like fillings and root canals are generally safe. 
• Also, some people are misunderstood about the fact that the baby takes calcium from the mother’s teeth, and therefore, they weaken. But the reality is such that the baby does not take calcium from the teeth but from the diet of the mother. 

Conclusion 

At Ludhiana Dental Centre, Dr Bikramjit Singh Dhillon, having an experience of 26+ years, serves as a specialist in prosthodontics and implantology. It is essential to have safe treatment during pregnancy to avoid any complications. Therefore, our dental centre puts extra effort into offering treatment tailored to the individual. Do visit us for the right kind of treatment and feel the pain-free satisfaction.