By kkhealthcarecentre 
Pregnancy is a unique and important time in a woman’s life, and it’s crucial to ensure it’s as healthy as possible. Whether you’re planning to get pregnant or already expecting, focusing on maintaining a healthy mouth can benefit both mother and baby.
Planning Stage
If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s a great idea to visit your dentist. Getting a check-up and thorough cleaning is essential. Address any cavities and take necessary X-rays at this stage. Avoid silver amalgam fillings due to mercury content, which can be harmful. It’s best to deal with any teeth that need extraction, including wisdom teeth, before pregnancy to make sure your mouth is infection-free.
During Pregnancy
There’s a myth that pregnancy damages teeth, but that’s not entirely accurate. The truth is, hormone changes during pregnancy can make your gums more prone to infection. Adequate nutrition, dental check-ups, and good oral hygiene are vital to avoid problems. Plaque build-up can lead to gingivitis, which causes swollen and bleeding gums. Keeping your teeth clean helps prevent this condition.
Healthy Diet During Pregnancy
What you eat impacts both your dental and overall health. Sticky, sugary foods encourage plaque and can lead to gum problems, while fibrous foods like radishes and carrots, as well as citrus fruits, help control plaque. Snack on foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C is great for gums, and calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth. If your diet doesn’t provide enough calcium, your body will take it from your bones for your baby’s growth.
Effect On The Child
Proper nutrition is vital for your developing baby and their teeth, which start forming between the third and sixth months of pregnancy. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins A, C, D, along with proteins, calcium, and phosphorus. Your doctor will likely recommend supplements, including folic acid, to prevent issues like cleft lip and palate.
Best Time for Treatment
Dental procedures during pregnancy are safe with precautions. The American Dental Association suggests scheduling treatments during the second trimester, between months four and six, as major organs have developed by then. Avoid elective treatments during the first and last trimesters. If X-rays are necessary, use a lead apron and thyroid collar for protection. Any medication should be approved by both your dentist and gynecologist.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do after your baby is born. Breast milk is full of antibodies that help fight infections and contains nutrients that promote brain and retina development, which can prevent future dental problems.
The benefits of breastfeeding include:
– Protection against infections.
– Lower risk of cavities due to lack of milk pooling as in bottle-feeding.
– Supports proper jaw, teeth, and facial development because breastfeeding uses more muscles.
– Reduces the risk of overfeeding and related issues like weight gain seen in bottle-fed infants.
Key Points
– Start planning for a healthy baby even before conception.
– Keep your mouth infection-free.
– Maintain good oral hygiene throughout and after pregnancy.
– Ensure a balanced diet for the mother.
– Dental work is advisable during the second trimester.
– Breastfeeding is crucial for reducing dental issues in children.
– Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle containing milk or sweet liquids to prevent tooth decay.