Importance of Oral Hygiene during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an important phase in the life of a woman and brings with it numerous physical changes. While most of these changes are needed to assist foetal development and to prepare the body for labour, increased hormonal levels during pregnancy can also intensify dental problems. Therefore, maintaining dental hygiene becomes increasingly essential during pregnancy.

Common dental problems during pregnancy

Pregnant women commonly experience swollen or bleeding gums when they brush their teeth. If you have an existing gum disease it might get elevated during pregnancy. Gingivitis is an alarmingly common occurrence in pregnant women. If proper care is taken to curb gingivitis during pregnancy, it is likely to reduce or end after childbirth. Periodontal gum disease is another gum disease that can have adverse effects on a pregnancy.

The periodontal gum disease causes infections in the gums and the bones. If left untreated, it can cause loss of tooth or teeth. You could even develop pus filled sacs known as abscesses that are quite painful. According to medical research, the bacterium contains a chemical known as prostaglandin which enters the bloodstream and affects the foetus, potentially increasing the risk of pre-term labour. Another study suggests that there is also an increased risk of preeclampsia in women who suffer from periodontal disease.

Tips to maintain oral health

It is very important to maintain good oral health when you are planning a pregnancy or as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

Many recent studies indicate a strong link between oral health and pregnancy complications like low birth weight and preterm delivery. If you are pregnant, you should consider visiting your dentist to treat any gum related problems. Make sure you inform the dentist that you are pregnant so that you receive treatments and medications that are safe for pregnant women.

  • Avoid consumption of anything that you feel can worsen your gum condition
  • Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth in order to remove the existing plaque. Brush twice daily.
  • Floss your teeth at least thrice a week. This will help remove trapped food and plaque between the teeth.
  • Use a dentist recommended mouth-wash with anti-microbial properties to prevent gingivitis.
  • Adopt a healthy diet.
  • Treat any existing tooth decay and other problems before it worsens.
  • Do not share food or utensils with others while pregnant to avoid the transmission of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
  • Get regular dental check-ups during pregnancy.

Once you are confident that you are following a good and healthy dental routine, you can sit back and enjoy the most precious moments of your life.

For further details or queries e-mail us at: tomotherhoodindia@gmail.com

Disclaimer:The information contained in this issue is not a substitute for medical advice. All content including text, graphics and images are for general information purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

ADVANCED WOMEN AND CHILD HEALTHCARE CENTRE

Making motherhood a blissful experience,Motherhood Indiranagar

Women require unique and specialised health care in every stage of life; some for themselves and some for their children. With a view to providing women in Bangalore a healthcare facility close to home,Motherhood, Bangalore inaugurated the new wing of their Indiranagar facility on 14th November 2013.

The facility known as the Advanced Women & Child Healthcare Centre is equipped with ultra-modern medical facilities to provide comprehensive care in Gynaecology, Neonatology and Paediatrics. The centre was inaugurated by Mr. U.T. Khader, Honourable Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Karnataka.

While most pregnancies progress without any problems, some require specialized care. Motherhood has partnered with leading experts in fetal medicine, The Bangalore Fetal Medicine Center (BFMC) to give this expert care to the unborn baby primary care while it is still in the womb, making it possible to diagnose and manage genetic and other abnormalities in the fetus. Fetal medicine specialists, sonologists and emotional counsellors provide the most advanced treatment and care.

Motherhood has also partnered with Kosmoderma Skin Clinics &Medispa’s, a leading skin, hair and laser clinic in South India. Motherhood  Mommy  Makeover for new mothers provides customised cosmetology services to women before, during and after pregnancy.The Mommy Makeover program includes, Anti-stretch Mark Treatment for body, Post Delivery Tummy Toning, etc.

We recognise that the health of women and children is very essential in building a self-reliant, healthy, stable and confident community. Our healthcare centre functions with the assistance of world-class expertise and technology, coupled with compassion and a home-like setting.

Avoiding Headaches Naturally!

Headaches are a common concern in most pregnant women which attracts them to pills that are not advisable during pregnancy. Here are a few simple tips that can help you avoid such troublesome headaches.

Preventing headaches:

  • Avoid headache triggers: Keep track of your meals, activities and headaches for several days to help pinpoint your headache triggers then do your best to avoid those.
  • Include physical activity in your daily routine: Try a daily walk or other moderate aerobic exercise.
  • Manage stress: Find healthy ways to cope with the stressors in your life, such as delegating tasks on your to-do list and spending time with people who lift your spirits.
  • Practice relaxation techniques: Try calming activities such as deep breathing, yoga and visualisation.
  • Eat smaller, more-frequent meals throughout the day: This will keep your blood sugar on an even keel.
  • Create a social network with other would-be moms
  • Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can keep you feeling your best.
  • Follow a regular sleep schedule: Fatigue and lack of sleep can contribute to headaches during pregnancy. Go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day, even on weekends.

When headache strikes:

  • Rest. Lie down in a dark, quiet room with your eyes closed.
  • Include physical activity in your daily routine: Try a daily walk or other moderate aerobic exercise.
  • Use a compress. Apply a warm compress (such as a hot towel) to your face, eyes and temples?? or try a cold compress on the back of your neck.
  • Try massage. Ask someone to massage your shoulders and neck to relieve tension. You might rub your temples, too.

For further details or queries , kindly contact us at?  tomotherhoodindia@gmail.com