Pregnant women urged to keep up to date with dental checks
You usually associate pregnancy with morning sickness, back pain and fatigue, but dentists are keen to alert expectant mothers to the increased risk of dental health issues.
If you’re pregnant, hormonal changes that occur in the body can put you at risk of gum disease. Gum disease is not just a common cause of bleeding gums and tooth loss. During pregnancy, it can also contribute to complications that may result in premature birth and difficulties during labour. Despite the link between gum disease and complications, only 43 percent of women in the US schedule a check-up with their dentist while they are expecting.
If you’re expecting, the advice from dentists is to have a routine check-up at least once during your pregnancy. Even if you feel that everything is fine and you haven’t noticed any abnormal symptoms, it’s important to keep on top of dental hygiene and see your dentist, as they may be able to spot signs that you haven’t noticed. Pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease and it can also lead to acid erosion, which makes the tooth enamel weaker, increasing the risk of cavities. It’s particularly important to make an appointment if you notice bleeding when you brush or your gums are swollen or sore. Taking good care of your teeth and gums will lower the risk of complications during labour and childbirth.
In the UK, NHS dental care is available free of charge for pregnant women.
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