Pregnancy is a memorable time in a woman’s life. While mothers tend to focus on their health and the baby’s growth, oral hygiene usually gets omitted. However, a smile that is usually perceived as an easy expression reflects deeper health and well-being. Truly, dental care during pregnancy is about preserving the mother and the expected baby. This article will explain the physical, mental, and spiritual side of a smile.
Physically
Pregnancy changes one’s body in many ways which includes one’s mouth. Comprehending these changes helps one protect one’s smile and baby’s health. Below are sections that explain the physical side of a smile for expectant mothers:
How Pregnancy Affects Dental Health
A woman's hormones alter during pregnancy and this can negatively affect her gums. She may be more delicate and might bleed easily, despite having consistent oral hygiene. Also, there is a higher likelihood of developing periodontal and gingivitis during pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Periodontal or gum disease is a critical gum infection that ruins the soft tissue around the teeth.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, “Gingivitis is the initial state of periodontal disease. It occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on one’s teeth and lead to infection.” Specifically, pregnancy gingivitis results in gums being red, enlarged, or bothered from bacteria near the gum line. Moreover, gums are more tender since the estrogen and progesterone hormones have elevated during pregnancy. Left unmanaged, gingivitis may develop into periodontitis.
According to the Government of Canada, “Periodontitis is an enhanced stage of periodontal disease that has infection and inflammation of both the gums and the bone that support the teeth.” Periodontitis is linked with negative pregnancy results like premature delivery or a low weight baby. But, it is not yet fully comprehended how periodontitis might have negative results.
Also, morning sickness during pregnancy can risk a woman’s teeth to stomach acid and lessen the surface of one’s teeth by demineralizing. Consequently, it puts expectant mothers at a higher likelihood of tooth rotting and deterioration of their teeth.
Dental Visits
Despite these risks, many women might hesitate attending a dental appointment during pregnancy because they think it’s unsafe. However, it is advisable to have dental appointments during the second trimester (weeks 13-27) because the baby’s organs are fully formed and the expecting mother is usually feeling more at ease. Below are strategies that expectant mothers can take while going to a dental appointment:
1. Let the dentist know one is pregnant
The dentist will accommodate the woman’s dental care and prevent any unnecessary treatments and medications. Moreover, she should tell her dentist about any medications that she is currently using, like herbal, prescription, or over-the-counter medications.
2. Attend regular dental appointments
Surely, regular checkups are safe and essential for one’s dental health. Indeed, mothers receiving dental care have an important part in checking oral health and avoiding diseases or health complications.
3. Don’t postpone basic dental treatments
Dental procedures such as crowns and cavity fillings are safe during pregnancy. Thus, taking a proactive approach by taking care of dental issues early can stop pain, infection, and other health issues.
4. Take X-rays if necessary
X-rays assist dentists to test the health of the expecting mother’s teeth and gums. Some women are concerned about X-rays because of radiation. But, X-rays are safe during pregnancy because it doesn’t produce sufficient radiation to hurt her or the baby. Moreover, the dentist will clothe her with a lead apron and collar that will guard both of them.
Professional dental care during pregnancy will save the woman’s health and the baby’s development.
Daily Habits
Alongside professional visits, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is the initial step toward a healthy pregnancy. Below are habits that expectant mothers can do at home:
1. Brush twice per day
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to gently and meticulously clean one’s teeth in the morning and prior to bedtime.
2. Floss daily
Flossing eliminates plaque and food from between the teeth where one’s toothbrush is unable to reach. It helps avoid swollen and bleeding gums.
3. Eat healthy foods
A daily diet of fruits and vegetables is healthy for her and her baby because they will receive the minerals and vitamins needed for both of them. Also, it is important to select healthy snacks in between meals to meet her nutritional needs. In addition, it is recommended to avoid foods that contain a lot of sodium, sugars, or saturated fats.
Expectant mothers can protect their teeth and feel more refreshed by remaining consistent with easy daily habits. A clean mouth each day supports a healthier pregnancy and helps moms have greater comfort.
Mentally
Pregnancy can have difficult emotional moments, however a healthy smile increases confidence and elevates mood. Moreover, hormonal alterations may cause irritation in the mouth that can be stressful. But, expectant mothers that prioritize dental care helps decrease pain, increase
self-esteem, and maintain a healthier pregnancy. According to Intermountain Health, when one smiles, a brain releases small molecules called neuropeptides to combat stress. When a mother feels good, it positively affects her mental state and the baby's development, exhibiting how a healthy smile can increase confidence and calmness during pregnancy.
Spiritually
Islam emphasizes that caring for your health, especially during pregnancy, is an act of worship (ibadah) and gratitude to Allah.
The Quran stated:
"We have commanded people to honour their parents. Their mothers bore them in hardship and delivered them in hardship. Their ˹period of˺ bearing and weaning is thirty months."
(Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:15)
This verse explains the honor and accountability placed on mothers. By caring for her body, including her oral hygiene, a pregnant woman honours the journey Allah selected for her.
Pregnancy is a time of transformation that touches every part of a woman’s being. Taking care of dental health during this stage is a simple yet powerful way to support a healthy pregnancy. A healthy smile is part of a mother’s overall well-being and is a step toward a strong start for the baby.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10950-gingivitis-and-periodontal-disease-gum-disease
- https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/pregnancy/oral-health-pregnancy.html
- https://www.bloorwestsmiles.com/blog/dental-care-during-pregnancy-everything-expecting-mothers-need-to-know/
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/dental-work-and-pregnancy/
- https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/the-real-health-benefits-of-smiling-and-laughing
- https://quran.com/46
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