Now that you’re over the hurdles of
morning sickness, it’s time to give your teeth some attention
Your baby at 4 months
Track your baby’s progress
Size: The
second trimester signals the start of your baby’s biggest growth period.
Although genetic factors that influence her size will only begin to take effect
at about 20 weeks, your nutrition and general health are already playing a
vital role.
Progress: She
is big enough and strong enough to wiggle, twist, kick and squirm but you will
probably not feel any of this until well into your fifth month.
Gum disease can increase the risk of
prematurity or low-birth weight babies when chemicals of inflammation are
released into the blood stream and passed on to the baby.
The
second trimester signals the start of your baby’s biggest growth period.
A calcium-rich diet, good dental care and a
visit to the dentist ensures sparkling, healthy teeth and a broad smile during
and after your pregnancy.
Some symptoms of pregnancy such as a dry
mouth or excessive salivating, indigestion and reflux, painful, swollen and
sometimes bleeding gums can interfere with normal daily brushing and flossing
routines. This increases the risk of infections and halitosis.
What you can do
Tooth care:
·
The dentist is one healthcare professional who’s
rather neglected. It’s worth your while to visit your dentist at least once for
a check-up, a good clean and floss and fluoride treatment.
·
Brush your teeth with a softer tooth-
·
Use mouthwash.
·
Chew dental gum.
·
Avoid nuts and seeds that can get stuck in your
teeth.
·
Don’t bite ice or boiled sweets.
Brush
your teeth with a softer tooth
Diet:
·
Make sure your diet and supplements make up no
more than 1200mg of calcium daily.
·
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables (unpeeled
whenever possible) at least twice daily.
·
Cut down on fizzy sugar drinks and the amount of
sugar in tea and coffee.
·
Drink water instead.
What can go wrong?
Apart from dental problems, higher levels
of estrogen increase the blood flow to the gums, making them look red and
swollen. This is called Epulis and besides being painful with bleeding gums,
the swelling can partly cover the tooth and this can put a damper on your
smile. Epulis also makes brushing and flossing painful, so you may be inclined
to neglect proper circular brushing that should last for two minutes. If an
infection sets in, this can become gingivitis, which is very painful and may
need an antibiotic.
This
is called Epulis and besides being painful with bleeding gums, the swelling can
partly cover the tooth and this can put a damper on your smile.
Neglected teeth also become filmed with
plaque that can break down the protective enamel layer and increases the risk
for tooth deterioration.
Try these foods that your teeth will
appreciate
Make a fruit salad with firm fruit such as
apple, pear, water-melon, pineapple.
·
Add plain yoghurt and some raisins.
·
Eat melon, paw-paw, orange segments and kiwi-fruit.
·
Eat carrot, celery and cucumber sticks.
·
Cut cheddar-cheese with crackers – the cheese
maintains the natural pH of the mouth, which is good for your teeth.
