Treating gum disease naturally during pregnancy
Gum disease is a
common oral problem in adults, ranging from mild gum disease to serious dental
problems, including tooth loss.
Pregnant women may be
prone to gum disease due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.
Therefore, it is especially important that pregnant women follow the rules of
oral hygiene.
This often leads to
the question of how to naturally treat gum disease during pregnancy?
When gum disease is
at an early stage, it is called gingivitis or gum disease.
If left untreated,
gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more serious problem in which
inflamed gums recede from teeth, leaving small patches or pockets for bacterial
infections.
Signs and symptoms of
gum disease during pregnancy
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Loose teeth
What factors contribute to gum disease during pregnancy?
Poor oral care habits aren’t the only thing that can irritate your gums.Other contributing factors include:
- Smoking
- Hormonal Changes
- Diabetes
How to traet gum disease naturally during pregnancy
The good news is that
gum disease can be detected and treated early by regularly practicing a few
homemade oral health habits or oral hygiene routines.
- Brushing and flossing. There is a reason why the dentist always
recommends that we brush our teeth and floss daily. A good brushing and
flossing habit can rid your gums and mouth of bacteria, reducing or reversing
the inflammation of gingivitis.
- Vitamin C. If you want to help fight bacteria that
build up in your mouth, try eating more fruit. Vitamin C can help fight
gingivitis.
- Vitamin A. Another vitamin to fight gum disease is
vitamin A, which is essential for the growth of bones and teeth. Pay attention
to the upper limits of vitamin A.
- Sea salt. Gargling with sea salt can help reduce gum
inflammation while you treat your gums.
Treating gum disease during pregnancy when natural treatments don't work
Sometimes gum disease
can be too advanced to treat at home.
If so, consider some
of these options:
- Visit your dentist
- Your dentist can give your teeth a deep cleaning and help get rid of plaque build-up that is contributing to gum disease.
- Talk to your doctor and dentist before seeking treatment, as doctors recommend that dental treatments occur during the second trimester if possible.
Oral antibiotics
If bacterial
infections are severe, a doctor or dentist may prescribe a course of
antibiotics to fight the infection.
Your doctor needs to
know which antibiotics are safe during pregnancy, but you should tell your
doctor if you have any allergies before starting antibiotics.
Surgery
If gum disease
progresses and antibiotics or other treatments don't help, your dentist may
recommend surgery to repair your gums.
The operation is serious, so it is better to consult a dentist or doctor before the operation.
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