POST-PREGNANCY

DENTAL CARESo, you've read some information about changes in your dental health and how to keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy. Read on to find out how to maintain a healthy mouth after giving birth.

Pregnancy-Related Dental Problems:Will They Persist?

During pregnancy, the body has a higher concentration than usual of the hormone progesterone. This can cause an exaggerated response to plaque, resulting in sore and bleeding gums. This is known as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’.

Pregnancy gingivitis most commonly occurs in the second or third month of pregnancy, gradually becoming more severe, until it reduces in the ninth month. GINGIVITIS RISK DURING PREGNANCY

Therefore, it’s crucial to be extra meticulous withyour oral hygiene routine, and to attend regular dental check-ups during pregnancy.

Approximately 40% of women will develop gingivitis, of varying severity, during their pregnancy.

40%

Generally, after giving birth, progesterone levels go back to normal. Gingivitis should reduce or disappear completely if you are practicing a good oral hygiene routine.

However, if left untreated, gingivitis can eventually progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which damages the bone and gums supporting the teeth., eventually causing them to become loose.

It is also important to look out for any dental changes during menstruation, menopause or if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill. Hormone levels commonly fluctuate at these times, which can increase your risk of gingivitis.

During pregnancy, exposure to acid from vomiting caused by morning sickness can weaken tooth enamel. This can result in sensitive teeth.

Mouthwashing regularly and using a fluoride toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth should help to relieve symptoms, but if it persists then visit your dentist.

Post-Pregnancy Oral Health Tips

The great responsibility of a new baby can make new mothers more prone to dental problems, as the needs of their new child cause them to pay less attention to themselves.

Continue to visit your dentist regularly. You may be advised to visit every three, six, or twelve months, depending on your needs. Make sure you tell your dentist if you are breastfeeding, as not all treatments and medications are suitable for nursing mothers.

Continue to brush twice a day with fluoride

toothpaste! Floss daily, and use a fluoride

mouthwash between meals if you can. Dental care on

the NHS is free for one year for new mothers.

Post-Pregnancy Diet Tips

Other than keeping a proper dental hygiene routine, having a good diet can aid in maintaining good oral health. Here's a general list that can help keep your

teeth and body healthy post-birth:

Omega-3-rich foods - Walnuts, small-medium portions of fish,

oils (e.g. fish oils, canola oil, flaxseed oil, hemp oil etc.,

although cod liver oilshould preferably be avoided).

Iron-rich foods - spinach, small amounts of dark chocolate.

Vitamin-rich foods - fruits & vegetables, take any vitamin supplements asadvised by your doctor.

Protein-rich foods – eggs, tofu, beans, lentils, small amounts of nuts/whole peanut butter, meat

(particularly white meats & fish, avoid processed

meats).

Plenty of fluids – drinking plenty of milk & water

will help retain & restore depleted calcium,

prevent dehydration, maintain control of

weight, and wash acids out of your mouth.

Vitamin-D & calcium-rich foods – Vitamin D promotes the absorption of

calcium and keeps the immune

system strong. . Avoid excessive amounts

of caffeine, which can

stain your teeth and

alcohol, which can stain

and weaken the teeth

due to its acid content.

Brought to you by Portman Healthcarewww.portmanhealthcare.co.uk

Sources:

Moses, Donna Thomas T. "Oral health during pregnancy." MCN, the Americanjournal of maternal child nursing 27.5 (2002): 275-80.

http://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/childrens-teeth/dental-care-formother-and-baby

http://www.perioimplant.com/periodontal_education/women.html