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Oral Health & Pregnancy: What You Need to Know | The Doctor Weighs In
Medically reviewed by Patricia Salber MD, MBA (@docweighsin)
Good oral health is important for good gestation and healthy babies. Pregnancy can have adverse effects on the oral cavity requiring extra vigilance on the part of the pregnant woman.
Pregnancy is one of the most wondrous phases of a woman’s life. The plans and dreams for the baby are endless. The focus of the mom-to-be, rightfully, is concentrated on the needs and care of the growing fetus. So, it is not surprising that no matter how meticulous a woman has been about her oral health before, she may take a step back as soon as she becomes pregnant.
Meanwhile, morning sickness and gastric reflux, cravings for various appetizing foods, and improper cleaning habits, collectively act to impair your oral health. It is essential, therefore, that women keep an eye on their dental care to avoid any complications during pregnancy and the post-natal period.
Oral health complications of pregnancy
Morning sickness
Morning sickness is related to increased hormone levels and resultant metabolic changes in the body. Despite the fact that morning sickness is not harmful to the…
