Pregnant women meticulously plan everything about their pregnancy and the months after. They make trips to the doctor, make hospital tours to find the best facility, and set up a nursery back home to welcome their child. But, a majority of them fail to care for their oral health. In this blog, we will tell you why it’s important for pregnant women to visit a dentist.

Why should pregnant women visit a dentist?

Almost everyone experiences some form of dental symptoms. The situation is no different with pregnant women. Getting a dental checkup done during pregnancy is not just safe but also important for your dental health. Besides taking care of cleanings and other procedures like filling cavities and the like, your dentist can also help you with all the pregnancy-related dental concerns you may be experiencing.

What are the dental issues that could arise during pregnancy?

According to the American Dental Association, a number of problems are likely to arise during pregnancy. Though most women will go through without any dental complications, some of them may end up being afflicted. Some of them include:

• Pregnancy Gingivitis

This condition can arise due to the hormonal changes that occur in pregnant women. When this occurs, they will experience an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. Their gums may also bleed when they brush and floss. When left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can lead to serious gum diseases.

• Pregnancy tumors

Although the name sounds quite scary, it isn’t a cause of great concern if you take care of your oral health routine. Some pregnant women may experience overgrowth in tissue called and are called “pregnancy tumors,” which tend to occur during the second trimester. While it’s not cancer, it causes swelling between teeth. Experts suggest this may be caused due to a plaque buildup in your mouth. They tend to bleed easily and disappear after a child is born.

• Increased risk of tooth decay

Most women have a varied appetite when they are pregnant. This could lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and general tooth damage. Hence, brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing shouldn’t be missed under any circumstances.

Pregnancy is a big step as it is, and adding oral problems into the mix will only make a tough situation harder. Hence, it is advisable to visit your dentist during pregnancy to rule out all concerns so that you can fully focus on welcoming your child.