Dental care before pregnancy is a thing that is often forgotten. In fact, the condition of oral health and teeth can affect the level of fertility to the health of the womb.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the body's response to plaque growth. This makes it easier for pregnant women to experience problems with their teeth, such as caries.
Reasons for the importance of dental examination before pregnancy
You and your partner need to know that oral and dental health are related to various conditions around pregnancy, namely:
Influence the level of fertility
Men with poor oral health are believed to be more at risk of decreasing sperm count or quality. The exact cause is not yet known, but some of the following are thought to be the trigger,
First, infection of the teeth will increase the amount of bacterial growth in the mouth. This increase is believed to also affect the growth of the number of bacteria in other body parts, including sperm.
Second, when the body faces an infection in the teeth, the body's response not only increases in the infected part but also throughout the body. This increased immune response might damage other healthy cells, including sperm.
Third, related to risk factors for dental and oral health disorders, namely smoking. This habit can clearly disrupt the health of the reproductive system.
Relating to the health of pregnant women and fetuses
Dental and oral health are also related to the condition of pregnancy and the health of pregnant women. Although it does not have a direct effect, an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can cause pregnancy gingivitis.
The habit of not maintaining dental hygiene especially after consuming sweet foods when "cravings", also increases the potential for mouth problems, such as cavities. If this tooth problem is not handled properly, it can lead to ongoing infection and cause epulis or pyogenic granuloma, and can even cause tooth loss.
Aside from having an effect on pregnant women, poor oral health during pregnancy can also increase the risk of babies being born prematurely.
Tips for Maintaining Dental Health Ahead of Pregnancy
To prevent the various risks outlined above, you and your partner need to maintain dental hygiene and health, namely by:
- Check your teeth regularly to the dentist, at least every 6 months, so that your oral health is always monitored. This treatment and examination needs to be done more often if you experience periodontitis.
- Get treatment immediately if you experience problems with your teeth and mouth, such as cavities.
- Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning when you wake up and at night before going to bed.
- Gargling with water after eating, to rinse leftovers that can trigger cavities.
- Stop smoking. This habit not only triggers the appearance of disturbances in the teeth and mouth, but also adversely affects fertility.
Do not underestimate the importance of maintaining oral health before becoming pregnant. Keep your teeth and mouth clean and do regular dental check-ups, so you avoid a variety of dental problems that can interfere with pregnancy.
