Caries in pregnancy

Bodily changes suffered by pregnant women also affect their teeth. The College of Dentists and Stomatologists of Valencia has launched a few weeks ago the Campa I Oral Health and Pregnancy Campaign to inform expectant mothers about the importance of taking care of their dental health. Among the reco

Bodily changes suffered by pregnant women also affect their teeth. The College of Dentists and Stomatologists of Valencia has launched a few weeks ago the Campa I Oral Health and Pregnancy Campaign to inform expectant mothers about the importance of taking care of their dental health. Among the recommendations of the experts is to go to

periodic check-ups during pregnancy to monitor not only the frequent occurrence of pregnancy gingivitis, but also the possible presence of caries and its repercussions in this state and after the Birth. Causes of caries in pregnancy

Cavities are a disease of

bacterial origin that cause the demineralization of the teeth. The bacteria in the mouth produce acids from the remains of food, which damage the structure of the teeth, causing this ailment. According to

Doctor Enrique Llobell, president of the Valencian College of Dentists and Dentists, one of the causes of the appearance of cavities during pregnancy is the change in the composition of saliva, which becomes acidic, which is very common during the last quarter and in the months of lactation. Also the hormonal changes of pregnancy, the increase of

estrogens and progestogens , create a favorable environment for decay and gingivitis to appear, since the blood supply of the tissues of the mouth rises, becoming more sensitive to external agents .Prevention and treatment of caries in pregnancy

Experts recommend the prevention of caries as the first form of treatment. Due to the fact that pregnancy increases the possibility of caries, special care must be taken to

oral hygiene . In general, expectant mothers should brush their teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss and fluoride toothpaste.In addition, maintaining an adequate diet is essential. Pregnant women should

avoid food and drinks with high concentrations of sugar and increase hygiene in the case of vomiting, since stomach acids can damage the enamel of the teeth and make them more vulnerable to bacterial attack. In the case of decay during pregnancy, it is very important to go to the dentist, since the procedures and drugs used to end this ailment

do not pose a risk neither for the mother nor for the baby. Patricia García

. Collaborator of GuiaInfantil.com