Oral health is very much of importance and must be taken care of during pregnancy. Taking care of your teeth and gums is very important when you are pregnant. During pregnancy, your hormones change; this can affect your oral health and your risk of gum and bone disease. Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy can decrease your risk of having a pre-term delivery or a low birth-weight baby

Include calcium in your diet

Calcium is an important part of your diet. Your growing baby needs it for strong bones and teeth. If your diet is low in calcium, your body will take it from your own bones and teeth for your baby. Make sure to eat enough foods high in calcium, like dairy products, and take a calcium supplement if necessary. That way, both you and your baby will have enough of this mineral without putting your bones and teeth at risk. Pregnant women are also at risk for developing pregnancy tumors, inflammatory, non-cancerous growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated.

Normally, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink on their own after the baby’s birth. But if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing or other oral hygiene procedures, the dentist may decide to remove it. Physiologic changes during pregnancy may result in noticeable changes in the oral cavity. These changes include pregnancy gingivitis, benign oral gingival lesions, tooth mobility, tooth erosion, dental caries, and periodontitis. It is important to reassure women about these various changes to the gums and teeth during pregnancy and to reinforce good oral health habits to keep the gums and teeth healthy.

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