If you are pregnant, it is vital to pay close attention to your oral hygiene. Due to increases in pregnancy hormones, the likelihood of gum disease also increases.

When a woman is pregnant, hormonal changes occur pretty rapidly in a woman s body. And since hormones travel throughout a woman s body through the bloodstream, it only makes sense that the jaws and the oral structures also receive a healthy dose of hormones.

This can result in an increase incidence of gum disease, especially if the pregnant woman does not take the necessary precautions to prevent the bacteria from building up. If you have gum disease before you became pregnant, it is more likely it can get more severe if you become pregnant.

The reason for this is multi-factorial. One reason for this is that the pregnant mother easily neglect their oral hygiene. With all the excitement of expecting a new child, thoroughly cleaning their teeth and gums is not a priority. These women neglect their flossing and brushing when it is more important to pay more attention to them.

In addition to the distractions, pregnant women also fail to realize that their hormones affect their gums. In fact, in one study, they found that more severe periodontal disease poses additional threat to pregnant diabetics.

Finally, poor nutrition can play a significant role during pregnancy especially during the first trimester when you feel sick and not likely eating the most nutritious foods. Eating the right foods and maintaining a proper nutrition is not only good for your baby but also good to maintain healthy gums.

If you are pregnant, here are some tips you can use today to help prevent gum disease from sneaking up on you and your baby.

Brush and Floss. Just because you are pregnant does not mean you can neglect your smile. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least once daily. Make sure to include in your diet foods that are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats. It is also important for you to drink lots of water. Consume or supplement with Folic Acid. Folic acid is also very important in your diet. Folic acid is usually found in green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, bell peppers, and nuts. You also need to take plenty of diary products because these food groups are rich in calcium. Pregnant women need more calcium intake because their baby usually takes their calcium nutrients, which leaves them to lack calcium for their own body nutrients.

So, if you are pregnant you should not only think of your growing baby inside you, you should also take care of yourself. Maintaining a balanced diet, proper nutrition, and excellent oral hygiene will save you from any surprises and damaging gum diseases.

About The Author:

Marvin Pantangco, DDS, the Leading Internet Dental Advisor, invites you to visit the high-traffic dental advice website http://www.SmileIQ.com and learn all you need to know about your smile.

Also visit http://www.Cosmetic-Dentistry-Info.net for more information on cosmetic dentistry and a Free E-Book: How to Locate the Perfect Dentist: 5 Steps to Finding a Dentist Your Family Can Trust For Life.

Copyright 2007 Marvin Pantangco, DDS. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author name credit and follow all of the EzineArticles terms of service for Publishers.

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