For those women getting pregnancy, they may suffering from different oral problems, such as bad breath, bleeding gums, swollen and aching gums, etc., resulting from the change of hormone level and dietary habit, lack of Vitamin and microelements, and decline of immunity. Without doubt, the problems will influence their normal life. What’s worse, it is even possible for them to suffer a lot from toothaches.

Research has showed that poor oral health is correlative to premature delivery and a low-weight baby. In addition to the particularity of pregnancy, that some treatments and medicines are not allowed to conducted, it is more difficult for pregnant women to deal with dental problems. Therefore, oral health during pregnancy is of great significance.

We lay emphasis on the following aspects for pregnant women to prevent oral diseases.

Oral examination before preparing for pregnancy

Due to limitations of treatment during pregnancy, women should pay more attention to maintain a good oral health before her preparing of pregnancy. Actually the oral examination before preparing for pregnancy is definitely necessary.

What should the examination cover? Whether there are tooth cavities or not, need to take medicines or not, and are dental scaling, extraction, filling, periodontal and gingival treatments necessary? If a further treatment is needed, it should be carried out as soon as possible. What’s more, a strict birth control is a must when undergoing treatment. Only when situations return to a normal state after re-examination can they prepare for pregnancy.

It’s recommended by dentists from AKJ Stomatological Hospital that, all women preparing for pregnancy should undergo a periodontal examination and take necessary oral treatments first.  

Practice good oral hygiene during pregnancy

a)         Besides having a balanced diet, they are also supposed to take more vegetables and fruits, as a proper supplement of Vitamin B.

b)         Rinse mouth after eating anything, with dedicated mouthwash or lukewarm salt water.

c)         Try best to brushing teeth after meal for over 3 minutes, with a soft-bristled brush. Make sure that the brush has reach three sides of every tooth, in case of formation of dental plaque.

d)         There is no need to brush teeth too frequently. It’s fine to brush in the morning, after meal and before the bedtime. Replace toothbrush every three month.  

e)         Floss teeth once a day.

f)          Conduct an oral examination in the middle, about 4-6 months, of the pregnancy.

To draw a conclusion, when it comes to oral problems, we should set prevention as the top priority, with treatment as an auxiliary. Before pregnancy, it is of necessity to go for a thorough examination and seek for proper treatments in time. During pregnancy, much attention should be paid to oral cleaning and caring, which helps to reduce occurrences of various common seen dental diseases during pregnancy. As an old saying goes, a good appetite is guaranteed by a set of health teeth. Good oral health plays an essential role in promoting intake of diet and nutrition during pregnancy. If you’ve got any question about oral health, feel free to contact me.