How to maintain dental health during pregnancy
Dental health is often under attack during pregnancy, because the lack of minerals and vitamins in the diet of the expectant mother negatively affects their condition. Hormonal changes in the mother’s body also have a negative effect on dental health. The synthesis of estrogen increases, the blood volume in the body increases, the vessels expand, including on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. As a result, gums can bleed even with minor exposure to the toothbrush, becoming vulnerable to the effects of pathogenic bacteria.
We form the margin of safety of teeth
For the condition of the teeth, certain vitamins and microelements, which should be supplied to the body in sufficient quantities, are largely responsible.
Vitamin A
provides metabolism and the full secretion of the salivary glands. Rich in vitamin A (retinol) animal products – egg yolk, fish oil, butter. Provitamin A (carotene) is present in brightly colored vegetables and fruits, herbs, berries. For better assimilation of the vitamin, foods are recommended to be consumed with fats (for example, carrots with vegetable oil).
Vitamin D
is necessary for the full absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Mom can get it from food and from the outside – by taking sun baths. Under the action of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, vitamin D is released naturally. Seafood, egg yolk, butter, potatoes, parsley are rich in this vitamin.
Vitamin C
is an important component of the health of teeth and gums, is involved in bone tissue repair processes and improves the structure of gum vessels. Being a powerful antioxidant, it participates in redox processes, protects teeth from falling out and loosening. Contain vitamin C spinach, citrus fruits, cabbage, wild rose.
Calcium, phosphorus and fluoride
are the main minerals responsible for dental health. With pregnancy, the need for calcium increases. With an insufficient amount of this microelement, it is “washed out” of the mother’s bones and teeth. So the mother’s body strives at all costs to provide calcium to the emerging skeleton of the fetus. The acid-base balance of saliva also changes, which can also provoke the development of caries. Calcium contains cabbage, celery, dairy products.
Cereals, cheese, fish, cottage cheese, nuts, and legumes are rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus is best absorbed from animal products.
Fluoride is responsible for the condition of tooth enamel, prevents the appearance of microcracks. It contains fluoride in meat, potatoes, walnuts, bran, milk, apples, grapefruits. However, this trace element is best absorbed from drinking water.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely to fully provide the body with these vitamins and minerals, getting them only from food. Vitamins are often destroyed even at the stage of storage and preparation of products. In addition, not all products are possible to use in sufficient quantities to get the right amount of trace elements. It is advisable to take vitamin-mineral complexes to compensate for the lack of nutrients.
conclusion
Enjoy this special time in your life. This is a precious journey in which you will want to maintain your health and maintain the health of your child. Therefore, take care of yourself, protect your teeth and gums, and also check and brush your teeth during pregnancy.