Everyone's tired at the end of the day, but add in a pregnancy, and that leads to a whole new level of exhaustion. As a result, routine nighttime brushing and flossing can get skipped—in addition to regular dental visits. This can lead to plaque and bacteria build-up and eventually tooth decay.
Pregnancy may make women more prone to periodontal (gum) disease and cavities. Oral health may be considered an important part of prenatal care, given that poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for the mother and baby.
There are many things to worry about while you're pregnant, but your dental visit should not be one of them! Annual dental exams and routine cleanings not only safe during pregnancy, they're recommended.
Your dental health can affect your baby
In more advanced cases, both tooth decay and gum disease can lead to infections. And if you get a mouth infection during pregnancy, it's possible for it to move to the rest of your body, as well as your baby.
Third trimester (29th week until childbirth):
It is safe to perform routine dental treatment in the early part of the third trimester, but from the middle of the third trimester routine dental treatment should be avoided.
When does your belly start feeling hard during pregnancy? This varies, but it's usually during your second or third trimester. As your uterus grows, it eventually pushes against your abdominal wall, making your abdomen feel firm. The muscles and ligaments around your uterus stretch, too, which can cause mild cramping.
Routine dental care can be done any time during pregnancy. Any urgent procedure can be done, as well. All elective dental procedures, however, should be postponed until after the delivery.
Yes, it's safe (and smart) to visit the dentist during pregnancy. Oral health care – including teeth cleaning, X-rays, pain medication, and local anesthesia – is safe throughout pregnancy.
Eat more raw veggies, as the crunching helps to remove yellowing plaque from teeth. Start oil pulling to rid your mouth of more bacteria, clearing the way for a brighter smile. Baking soda mixed with water can create an abrasive paste that can be gently used to remove stains on teeth.
The good news is that fluoride toothpaste is safe for you to use when you're pregnant however, ensure you never swallow it while brushing. Your dental health is even more important during this time.
High levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can temporarily loosen the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place. This can make your teeth loose. Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gum disease). If gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
Tooth erosion is becoming much more widespread in the population and the risks increase during pregnancy. Figure: The features of tooth erosion are a lack of surface luster, yellowing, and the teeth gradually becoming smaller as the enamel is dissolved away.
The short answer is yes… with some caveats. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, coloring your hair while pregnant is highly unlikely to be toxic to your fetus. Animal studies show that even high doses of the chemicals in hair dye do not cause birth defects.
If possible, our doctors do not recommend tooth extraction during the third trimester, primarily because of the discomfort you may experience sitting in a reclined position for an extended period of time. Unless it is an emergency, our doctors may recommend waiting until after giving birth to have your tooth extracted.
For some moms-to-be, constantly touching, patting, rubbing and holding their belly can be soothing. For others, it's a way to feel close to the baby inside. But no matter the reason, rubbing your belly simply makes you feel good.
Even in your third trimester of pregnancy, bending is still considered safe for your baby. You'll probably find it becomes increasingly difficult for you, though, if not impossible. Apart from your extra body weight, the size of your belly is increasing.
Weeks 21 to 24: Faster Baby Growth
As you make your way through the second trimester, you might notice your baby bump expanding by the week! During this month, your baby is growing at a faster pace than before, and at the same time, your hormones are starting to level out.
Another common belief is that the unborn baby takes calcium from a woman's teeth, which causes tooth decay. This is not true.
Whilst precautions do need to be taken around the temperature of the water, having regular warm showers whilst pregnant is perfectly safe.
Toothpaste ingredients to avoid when pregnant include: Triclosan - may promote low birth weight [8]. Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (SLES) - may boost absorption of other harmful chemicals [9]. Sorbitol - an artificial sweetener that can elevate blood sugar levels [10].
The American Dental Association has determined that fluoride is a safe and effective way to prevent cavities for everyone, including pregnant women. They recommend drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste.