Why pregnancy damages teeth

Let's get right to the point. During pregnancy, the mouth matters. Making small yet important steps will keep pregnant women's teeth and gums healthy. Why does oral health matter during pregnany? Because research shows that a woman's oral health during pregnancy is a good indication of her newborn's risk for tooth decay. And mothers can (unintentionally) share the bacteria that play the primary role in causing tooth decay.

While 4 out of 10 pregnant women have tooth decay or gum disease, many aren't getting dental care. They may not realize that getting dental services during pregnancy is both safe and important. Or they may not know the acidity level in the mouth rises during pregnancy, putting them at greater risk for tooth decay. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause gums to swell and bleed more easily than usual.

Besides its connection to an infant's teeth and mouth, poor oral health for a pregnant woman may be linked to birth complications, such as preeclampsia, pre-term births and low birth-weight infants.

So here are 4 Ways Pregnant Women Can Give Their Newborns a Healthy Start:

1. Make and keep your regular dental appointment. Getting a dental exam will help pregnant women identify any oral health problems they might have and, if necessary, get appropriate treatment or guidance.
   
   
2. Brush at least twice daily with toothpaste. It's especially important to brush your teeth right before you go to bed. Why? The saliva in your mouth helps to combat the decay process. But your mouth produces less saliva at night, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
   
   
3. Drink water every day.  Avoid or limit sodas, "energy drinks" and other sugary beverages.
   
   
4. Talk to your dentist about ways to prevent or manage any dental problems. Tooth decay is preventable. Even when the decay process has begun, there are ways to prevent it from progressing to the point of forming a cavity. A dentist can answer your questions.