Motherhood is a happy time in your life filled with joy, but it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. Not only do you have to take care of yourself mentally, but physically as well. Physical health goes far beyond just what you can see right off hand. Of course, every pregnant and nursing woman knows the importance of proper diet and exercise, but what about oral health? Oral health is just as crucial to expectant and nursing mothers, and neglecting your teeth can lead to long-term conditions. In this article, we will discuss the many reasons it is essential to take care of your teeth.
Misconceptions About Dental Health
First and foremost, it is essential to discuss the common misconceptions you hear about going to the dentist while expecting or nursing. The first misconception is that the dentist is dangerous while pregnant, which simply isn’t true. While certain precautions are taken for expectant mothers, going to the dentist is perfectly safe. Therefore, it is essential to go to the dentist when you first find out you’re expecting and continue to attend regular appointments during your pregnancy. To find a reputable dentist, search dentist in Mesa or wherever you may be located.
For Nursing Mothers
Nursing mothers need to go to the dentist for care even after the baby is born. There is a lot of strain on the back and neck when nursing. While a quality nursing bralette will help ease this tension, you may start to grind your teeth without it. This grinding can damage your teeth and cause you to be in a lot of pain. Keep your teeth looking and feeling their best by regularly brushing, flossing, and drinking plenty of water. Without taking these steps, nursing increases your risk for tooth decay. With tooth decay can come bacteria, which is dangerous not only for you but also for the baby. Even sharing a spoon with the baby during feeding could transfer harmful bacteria. Keep an eye out for cavities and decay by looking for brown to black spots on your teeth and seeing a dentist regularly to have them assessed.
For Pregnant Mothers
While you may have heard the old wife’s tale that being pregnant takes the calcium out of your teeth and puts you at risk, that is simply not true. However, being pregnant puts you at risk for many other dental pains, such as tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis. These factors are why it is crucial to regularly see a dentist during pregnancy to be sure you’re on the right track with your oral health. For example, tooth decay is increasingly prevalent in pregnant mothers because of morning sickness. If left untreated, it could lead to more severe problems during your pregnancy. Gingivitis is another serious condition that, if left untreated, could be dangerous to the baby. Gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a disease linked to low birth weight, preeclampsia, and even gestational diabetes mellitus.
Positive Oral Hygiene
Taking care of yourself while pregnant or nursing is essential and oral health is no exception. Not only can you develop severe conditions that can affect you and your baby by not taking care of your teeth during nursing and pregnancy, but these conditions can linger even after the baby. Therefore, it is vital to regularly brush your teeth, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and, of course, floss. Be sure to schedule a dental appointment when you become pregnant and keep regular appointments through pregnancy as well as nursing so that your teeth will stay their best.
