It is important to maintain dental and oral health during pregnancy. The reason is that the health of the teeth and mouth of pregnant women can also affect the health of the developing fetus. you know! Come on, find out the right dental and oral care for pregnant women.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the gums of pregnant women to become more sensitive and susceptible to bacteria that cause dental and oral health problems, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. This can also make pregnant women more susceptible to thrush.
Bacterial overgrowth in the teeth and mouth can enter the bloodstream through the gums and travel to the uterus. This condition then triggers the production of prostaglandins which are thought to cause pregnancy complications, such as premature birth.
In addition, pregnant women who have dental and oral problems also have the potential to transmit bacteria to their babies after they are born.
Various Ways to Maintain Dental and Oral Health During Pregnancy
Some of the following ways pregnant women can apply to maintain dental and oral health, including:
1. Brush teeth regularly and correctly
A simple way to maintain dental and oral health during pregnancy is to brush your teeth regularly at least 2 times a day. Especially for pregnant women, it is recommended to use toothpaste that contains fluoride and alcohol-free to remove plaque while reducing the risk of dental infections in babies after birth.
In addition, make sure pregnant women use a toothbrush with soft bristles and change their toothbrush every 3-4 months.
2. Do it flossing
Flossing is the process of cleaning teeth using dental floss or dental floss dental floss. This needs to be done to clean the dirt on the teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. Doing routine flossing Once a day is useful to prevent tooth decay and reduce the risk of gingivitis.
3. Use mouthwash
Regular use of antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing your teeth at night or in the morning is also beneficial for preventing tooth decay, killing bacteria that cause bad breath, and reducing the risk of gingivitis. However, make sure the mouthwash that pregnant women use is alcohol-free and contains fluoride.
In addition to mouthwash, pregnant women can also use a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 cup of water. This method is also suitable to be applied when pregnant women cannot brush their teeth due to vomiting.
4. Reduce consumption of sugary foods and drinks
Foods that are too sweet can increase the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, reduce and limit foods or drinks that contain too much sugar, such as cakes, soy sauce, sweet iced tea, and soft drinks.
In addition to carrying out the above treatments, other things pregnant women can do to maintain healthy teeth and mouth are consuming foods high in calcium, such as cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs, spinach, sardines, and salmon. Don't forget to also avoid smoking, alcohol, and drinking lots of water.
Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy during pregnancy is just as important as maintaining the health of other body parts, and this should not be ignored. In addition, pregnant women also need to regularly consult a dentist regularly for dental and oral health checks.
