During pregnancy, your body undergoes various changes. This does not exclude your oral health. This is why visiting your dentist during these nine months becomes crucial. Most women take care of what they eat and other factors that will contribute to the delivery of a healthy child. However, they often forget that their dental health is also a part of their child’s health. 

Pregnancy alone does not cause damage to your teeth and gums. However, the changes in your body, hormones, and lifestyle may increase your risk of dental problems. Visiting a dentist in Pacific Beach, San Diego will ensure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible. 

How does pregnancy affect your oral health?

Your mouth has swarming bacteria even under normal circumstances. Most of these microorganisms are harmless. However, the proliferation of certain microorganisms can cause infection. 

Gum diseases such as bleeding gums or bacterial infections cause red gums. During pregnancy, your body undergoes various hormonal changes, making you more susceptible to oral infections.

If you are a mother, your oral bacteria can travel through your mouth to the amniotic sac, causing complications like premature birth. Your baby will have a lot less weight than a regular newborn, which will affect his growth and development. Therefore, your mouth is one of the most common sources of infection.

Steps to maintain good oral health during pregnancy

You can take several measures during your pregnancy to avoid common oral complications. Include the following measures in your pregnancy care regime:

• Brush and floss regularly: This becomes crucial during pregnancy. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. These easy yet helpful habits will remove any food particles and harmful microbes that promote tooth and gum infection.
• Follow a healthy diet: During pregnancy, it is crucial to be aware that you are eating not only for your health but also for your child’s. Make sure to include calcium-rich items in your diet and limit your sugar intake.
• Rinse your mouth after morning sickness: Vomiting brings up harmful stomach acid in your mouth that can contribute to tooth erosion. To prevent the damage, make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and baking soda.
• Keep up with dental appointments: Do not ignore your dental appointments. However, make sure to inform your dentist about your pregnancy. You can skip the X-rays until you deliver your child. Regular checkups will help you remove plaque and tartar from your mouth that promotes gum disease, ensuring your gums and teeth are healthy.