Surrogacy, Pregnancy, and Dental Care- Why it’s Important to Take Care of Your Dental Health!
There are a lot of preliminary medical appointments that need attention when you are considering becoming a surrogate and one of these is often overlooked which is your dental health. Below are a few pointers when considering your oral hygiene before during and after pregnancy.
Before becoming pregnant, make an appointment with your dentist. Make sure that he/she knows that you are planning on being pregnant in the near future. Have your teeth professionally cleaned, a complete exam, and have any dental problems (fillings, crowns, root canals, etc.) taken care of before your first embryo transfer.
While you are pregnant keep attending your routine exams. Don’t forget to tell your dentist about any medications you are taking or if you are having morning sickness issues. It is perfectly fine for you to continue with your oral care. Urgent issues can be resolved during your pregnancy but elective procedures should wait until after the baby is born.
Now more than ever your teeth and gums need to be looked after due to the fluctuations in your hormones. Your gums might bleed easier, swell, and become more tender which is a condition known as gingivitis. 40% of pregnant women report contracting this type of issue while pregnant. It’s important to tell your dentist and be treated as soon as possible.
A tip for those suffering from morning sickness: Don’t stop brushing your teeth just because the toothpaste makes you gag! Switch to a milder-tasting toothpaste or use none at all. Keep frequently rinsing your mouth and avoid sugary snacks and treats until you can brush your teeth normally and don’t forget to floss!
This little tidbit from WebMD is important to note: At least a couple of major studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and premature birth. Researchers of one study who published their results in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely (before week 37) and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums. If this doesn’t drive home how important dental care is I don’t know what will.
Eating a healthy diet is not only important for you, the growing baby but also for the baby’s teeth which start to develop 3 months into the pregnancy! Growing bones, teeth, and gums need these minerals found in dairy products that include cheese and yogurt to name a couple.
After the birth and recovery, you should make an appointment with your dentist for another complete checkup. It is not uncommon to find new cavities or other oral issues after pregnancy. Following dental guidelines like biyearly dental exams, flossing at least once a day, and brushing twice a day should keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible for the coming decades.