How To Prevent Periodontal Disease During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also bring about some unexpected changes to your body. One of the most common of these is an increase in oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay. In fact, more than half of all pregnancies will result in periodontal disease during the course of the pregnancy due to hormonal changes associated with having a baby. If you already have periodontal disease, there are steps you can take during pregnancy that may prevent worsening or even reverse some damage caused by bacteria or poor dental habits in years past.

Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing & flossing daily

There are many things you can do to help prevent periodontal disease. One of the most important is to brush and floss your teeth daily, as well as visit your dentist for regular checkups.

• Keep a toothbrush by your bed so you’re reminded to brush before going to sleep at night.
• Use a soft-bristled brush (no scrubbing), fluoride toothpaste, and water when you brush your teeth. Brush for at least two minutes twice per day (morning and evening). Use a small circular motion instead of back-and-forth strokes when brushing–this helps remove plaque from the gum line which can lead to inflammation and bleeding gums if left untreated over time. If you have difficulty reaching all areas between each of your teeth with an ordinary manual or electric toothbrush, try using an interdental cleaner such as floss picks or water pic/water jet devices instead!

See a dentist regularly for cleanings, exams, and other treatments

You should see a dentist regularly for cleanings, exams, prophylaxis, and other treatments. How often you need to see one depends on your dental health. If you have any signs of periodontal disease or if you’re at risk for developing it (if you’re over 40 or smoke), then it’s important to go in for regular checkups.

This is what dentists advise:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once per day
• Avoid smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco products

Eat a healthy diet 

A healthy diet is an important part of preventing periodontal disease. A healthy diet includes:

• Foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains (such as whole wheat bread), like those found in multigrain cereals or pasta dishes with sauces made from tomatoes and other vegetables.

Avoid smoking and alcohol use

Smoking is bad for your oral health, and it can also cause other health problems such as heart disease or cancer. Alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, weight gain or loss, and even death in extreme cases. Most importantly for pregnant women: Tobacco products contain a number of toxic substances that can harm the developing fetus if you smoke during pregnancy (or before). Alcohol use also poses risks for your baby’s development because it interferes with critical stages of growth in their brain cells.

Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active throughout the day help lower the risk of periodontal disease. It reduces stress in the body and improves overall circulation and heart health. You can do so by controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

Stay active and maintain good oral health habits throughout life

A healthy diet can help prevent periodontal disease by providing the nutrients needed for the body’s natural defenses against infection, including the formation of antibodies that attack microorganisms like bacteria in your mouth. Eat foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus (which helps strengthen bones) such as dairy products, leafy greens, and beans. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration makes it harder for saliva to wash away harmful acids produced by bacteria.

We hope these tips will help you maintain good oral health and prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth, it is best to contact a dentist. After all, it is always best to be safe than sorry!