Teeth are an integral part of our body, so any inflammation can affect its work. This is especially significant during pregnancy, when any infection can have a negative effect on the fetus.
Our body is a complex system of interconnected vessels; therefore, various types of diseases can manifest themselves in a non-obvious and non-obvious place. One of the last is the oral cavity.
Pregnant women should especially remember this, because sick teeth affect not only their health, but also the health of the child.
Mouth displays health status
The oral cavity consists of very delicate and sensitive tissues that can be the first to respond to changes occurring in our body. Among systemic ailments manifesting in the oral cavity can be mentioned, including nephrological, oncological, hematological or concomitant diseases with an increased blood sugar content.
The state of the oral cavity also acts on the work of other parts of the body. Pregnant women should especially remember this, because sick teeth affect not only their health, but also the health of the child.
Bacterial plaque formed on the surface of the tooth, as well as inflammation of the tissues that fit the tooth, are a hotbed of bacteria and inflammatory and immune mediators that can also affect organs outside the oral cavity. Studies depict that exacerbation of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease and psoriasis may be associated with inflammation in the mouth.
The same applies to rheumatoid arthritis. A diseased tooth can increase rheumatoid factor and thereby make it more active.
Dental conditions are important for women who are pregnant or plan to become moms. Studies show a correlation between periodontal disease and low birth weight in a child. The latter is discussed in the case of newborns with a body weight of less than 2500 g, on the day of childbirth.
In addition, metabolic changes occurring during pregnancy can lead to inflammatory gum hyperplasia and are associated with the occurrence of problems such as bleeding, tenderness and swelling, which are associated with hormonal disorders in the pregnant woman.
Pregnancy diet for healthy teeth
Pregnant women should also be mindful of proper nutrition, which is significant for the correct development of the fetus and the health of the pregnant woman.
In this case, it is especially important to give more relevant vitamins and minerals. We are talking about vitamins A, D and C (responsible for the development of cells that make up bones and teeth), as well as iron and folic acid (the latter should be taken before pregnancy, it determines the creation of the normal nervous system of the child).
A woman only needs more food in the last trimester of pregnancy due to increased energy demand and should be covered by including extra protein.
In late pregnancy, it is also important to provide the body with calcium-rich foods. It plays an important role in the formation and mineralization of the child’s bone system.
A low-calcium diet can increase the risk of chronic periodontal disease, as well as make it difficult to treat the condition. It has also been shown that children of women who used a low calcium diet during pregnancy are significantly more likely to develop tooth decay. Another important ingredient is protein.
Not enough of it in the diet of a pregnant woman can lead to underdevelopment of the teeth and a greater incidence of periodontal disease in the child. Protein-rich foods such as milk, cheese and eggs are the child’s natural defense against tooth decay, experts add.
The gestation period is tightly associated with a change in eating habits. Meanwhile, a diet rich in carbohydrates is present, including in popular snacks, this can affect both the health of the mother’s teeth and the child.
A carbohydrate-rich diet causes plaque to develop, primarily and subsequent acidification of the oral environment. And in the case of a child, it negatively affects the development of hard tooth tissues. It is especially dangerous to snack in the evening, after brushing your teeth.
