Pay attention to oral and dental care after pregnancy

Vomiting, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, can create an acidic environment in the mouth and cause dental erosion, sensitivity, and caries. In particular, brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting can increase tooth surface wear. Therefore, after vomiting, the mouth should be rinsed with plenty of water and the teeth should be brushed after half an hour.

• The sudden rise in hormone levels increases the tendency for gingivitis. If the plaque accumulated on the teeth and gums cannot be sufficiently cleaned, gingivitis (swelling, bleeding, redness of the gums), pregnancy tumor in the gums can easily develop. Pregnant women with severe gum disease that have not been treated before pregnancy are at risk of preterm labor or having a low birth weight baby. For this reason, it is important to have good oral hygiene and gum treatments done before pregnancy.

• Vomiting, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, can create an acidic environment in the mouth and cause abrasions, sensitivities and cavities in the teeth. In particular, brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting can increase tooth surface wear. Therefore, after vomiting, the mouth should be rinsed with plenty of water and the teeth should be brushed after half an hour.

• Saliva may show more acidic properties during pregnancy, making teeth more susceptible to tooth decay. Because the formation of new caries can be prevented with good oral care, it is important for the expectant mother to have her oral care in order before pregnancy.

• The expectant mother with bleeding gums and sensitivity problems in her teeth can omit brushing her teeth. In cases where oral hygiene is not provided adequately, gum disease and caries can develop. • Changing dietary habits and frequent consumption of foods that cause caries (frequent snacking and increased consumption of sweet foods, such as dried fruit) increase the risk of dental caries. To avoid problems that can arise due to changes in the mouth during pregnancy, you should have a dental checkup every three months during your pregnancy. Treatments can be determined based on the difficulty of the treatment and in consultation with the doctor who monitors your pregnancy at each stage of pregnancy. Usually, however, between the 3rd and 6th month of your pregnancy, your dental treatments and tartar cleaning can be done. In the first and last trimester of pregnancy, emergency treatments should only be scheduled with the doctor who is monitoring your pregnancy. If the expectant mother has no allergies and there is no problem in the course of the pregnancy, an anesthesia can be performed if necessary in consultation with the doctor who monitors your pregnancy.