Being pregnant is as exciting as much as it is nerve-wracking. Not only are you growing a soul inside you, but you are also growing and changing along with the baby. During pregnancy, you start noticing a lot of changes in your body, your behaviour, and your moods.
You also start experiencing what most moms and pregnant women will relate to: sugar cravings! Some chocolate, a little bit of peanut butter, or a tub of delicious ice cream- every pregnant woman has craved these sugary foods during their pregnancy term.
However, while being preoccupied with noticing the many changes taking place in your body, you may end up neglecting the effects these cravings have on your oral health.
It is common knowledge that sugary foods have adverse effects on dental health. But what most people don’t know is that these effects are magnified during pregnancy. As a result of hormonal changes, intense sugar cravings, and increased acidity in the mouth, the risk of tooth decay is multiplied during pregnancy.
The Importance of Oral Health During Pregnancy
Pregnant or not, foods with high sugar content can cause cavities and tooth decay. If you’re dealing with morning sickness and consuming sugary foods and items high in carbohydrates, you’re particularly at risk of developing dental problems.
In addition to dental problems, consuming sugar during pregnancy can also result in gestational diabetes (a condition in which blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy). While it usually goes away in time after delivery, it increases the risk of you developing type 2 diabetes.
When you’re pregnant, you’re not eating for one but for two. It is important to watch what you eat, as your consumption can cause problems in the future for your baby as well. If there’s a lack of oral hygiene, a woman’s cavity-causing bacteria can later be transmitted to the baby. This increases the chances of the baby developing early cavities or visiting the dentist frequently from an early age.
To avoid the risk of developing oral problems, it is crucial for women to take care of their oral health during pregnancy. Here are a few things you can keep in mind to have perfect oral health during pregnancy.
1. Follow a Regular Oral Hygiene Routine
Imagine your mouth to be a farm, and cavity-causing bacteria are the pests. They’re slowly eating away at your crops and ruining your field. Your oral routine is the fertilizer that will help you kill the pests and keep your crops healthy.
You should brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, floss between your teeth at least once a day, and it is recommended to rinse your mouth with a Mouthwash twice a day.
2. Consume Sugar-free Foods
Pregnancy cravings can get intense, we understand. But the easiest way to maintain oral health during pregnancy is to avoid eating an excess of sweet foods. Instead of going for artificial sugars and candies, you can try opting for sugar-free alternatives like sugar-free candies, and chewing gum.
There is no harm in consuming desserts and sweet foods every once in a while, but it is best advised to not develop a habit.
3. Use Oral Care Products with Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a super protein found in mother’s milk and bovine milk. Rich in antimicrobial properties, it is extremely helpful in protecting your teeth against germs. Lactoferrin being present in our saliva plays an important role in casting a protective shield over the teeth. It is thus advised to use mouthwash and toothpaste that contain Lactoferrin as it helps to maintain oral health during pregnancy.
4. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Many believe that visiting the dentist and getting dental checkups done is risky during pregnancy. But we’re here to bust that myth: there’s no harm in visiting a dentist while pregnant as long as your doctor is aware of your condition. It is important to visit the dentist and get any oral problems out of the way before they cause problems later on.
We hope this blog helped you understand the connection between your pregnancy and oral health. You can now maintain both with the utmost care!
Dente91 She Toothpaste
Dente91 She Toothpaste is the first-of-its-kind toothpaste in India specially created to augment oral health of women. The toothpaste offers the powerful benefits of two unique ingredients; Nano Hydroxyapatite and Lactoferrin which help to reduce hypersensitivity, plaque and repair cavities. The toothpaste contains Folic acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B6, Vitamin E and Vitamin D3 which help in supporting women’s oral health during pregnancy. It is also free from SLS, Fluoride, Paraben, Gluten, Peroxide and Triclosan making it pregnancy safe and safe for the fetus.