Pregnant patient with her dentist

Dental Health During Pregnancy

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Pregnant women tend to be more vulnerable to oral disease and infection for a number of reasons, therefore regular dental visits at every stage of the pregnancy are highly recommended. Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy, but if uncertain, a pregnant woman can consult with an experienced dentist, specialising in prenatal dental care.

Pregnancy can bring a unique situation for the body. This is because as they progress through each term, women develop elevated pregnancy hormones that can result in puffy and sensitive gums. A visit to the dentist in Mackay, such as Walkerston Dental in Walkerston GP SuperClinic, Queensland, can prevent and resolve pregnancy-related dental problems and help keep the baby healthy.

Morning sickness and vomiting

Women who are experiencing frequent morning sickness, are more likely to develop tooth enamel erosion. This is because the acid reflux caused by vomiting lingers on the teeth and starts eating away the enamel. To reduce the risk of enamel erosion, pregnant women should use water or a mild mouth wash after vomiting.  Chewing gum can also help since it neutralises the saliva and helps the acid move away from the teeth more quickly. Moreover, a dentist in Mackay will advise women not to brush their teeth immediately after vomiting, since the bristles of the toothbrush can cause damage to the softened enamel surface.

Gum disease

Gum disease is a real threat during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes occurring in the body. Untreated gum disease can compromise a baby’s birth weight and lead to premature birth, therefore frequent preventive dental visits are highly recommended. A dentist in Mackay will remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums and ensure that the threat of gum disease is completely eradicated. If gum disease is already present, then a thorough scale and polish can prevent it from spreading. Keeping an eye on gum disease during pregnancy is an essential step for healthy and strong teeth and gums throughout each trimester. Last but not least, smoking during pregnancy is really bad for the unborn baby and can potentially cause gum disease. Smokers should consider quitting as soon as they find out that they are pregnant.

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