What You Need to Know about Women’s Dental Health

It’s important for EVERYONE to take care of their teeth, but women’s dental health is essential for a few more reasons – especially if pregnancy is on the horizon. On top of it all, women’s dental health is affected not just by their choices or environments, but also by the hormones coursing through their bodies.

That’s why oral health is an important part of a woman’s overall well-being. Thanks to those hormones, women may experience:

·                A higher risk for developing gingivitis

·                Changes in the way foods or drinks taste

·                An increased risk in developing “dry socket,” especially if she’s taking oral contraceptives

·                An increase in canker sores or cold sores

·                A greater chance of developing dry mouth

These types of issues may begin when a girl hits puberty, and they can be exacerbated by the start of her menstrual cycle, by menopause and especially by pregnancy. So if you’re a woman who’s looking to start a family, your dental health during your pregnancy is especially important, as it can affect the overall health of the baby. But there are some great dental health tips you can follow to ensure that you keep you and your future child safe — and they’re pretty easy to follow.

Why Oral Health is Important for Pregnant Women

If a woman’s teeth are affected by her hormones, then dental care during pregnancy is especially important. A soon-to-be-mother’s oral health can affect the health of the child, so it’s important to follow these dental health tips if you’re in the process of growing your family:

1.             Keep brushing and flossing regularly. Pregnant women are susceptible to “pregnancy gingivitis,” which causes the gums to become red and swollen. By maintaining a proper regimen of brushing your teeth and flossing between meals, you’re protecting not only your teeth but your gums as well. Healthy gums means you’re less likely to develop an infection.

2.             Eating nutritious food. We all know the old joke about a pregnant woman’s cravings.  But a baby develops his or her teeth between the third and sixth month of your pregnancy.  Eating foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins, especially calcium and Vitamin C, can help the child build strong, healthy teeth and bones. It’s one of the many reasons why oral health is important when it comes to a growing baby.

3.             Schedule your regular trip to the dentist. Soon-to-be-mothers see many doctors during those nine months, and the dentist should be one of them. If your teeth become infected, the baby could get sick too. Make a concerted effort to see your dentist early on: sitting in that chair might be uncomfortable once your baby’s large enough to give you a kick!

4.             Talk to your dentist about x-rays. Many dentists won’t perform x-rays on pregnant women if they can avoid doing so, but sometimes it’s inevitable.  So discuss the risks with a dentist before you take that step, to see how you can minimize any risks.

By following these dental health tips, you can help protect your baby — and yourself — from unnecessary health risks later on.  Whether you’re pregnant or not, it’s a terrific idea to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.  That’s because women’s dental health is important at every stage, so make sure that taking care of your teeth is always a top priority.