Dr. Amanda Tavoularis (dentably.com)
Having a good diet is always important, but becomes even more so during your pregnancy. What you eat affects your entire body, and has a direct influence over the health of your mouth. What many people fail to realize is how important your oral health is to your overall body health. I’ve worked as a dentist for over 20 years, and have worked with countless women during their pregnancy to help them eat right and be healthier. Knowing is half the battle, so let’s look at why your diet matters, and how having a good one can keep you on track during your pregnancy.
Why Diet Matters?
Everyone knows how important diet is while pregnant, but this is usually in terms of getting nutrients and vitamins for your body and baby. It’s also important to realize that diet plays a large role in oral health, which directly impacts your overall health.
For example, a poor diet is a leading cause of gum disease. Gum disease is then linked to premature births and other health issues which can derail your pregnancy. This is just one example, and hopefully expresses the importance of having a good diet.
Eating a Balanced Diet
The first step is simply to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet. Focus on nutrient rich foods like whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and veggies. Do your best to avoid heavily processed foods, as these are typically higher in bad fats and less nutrient rich.
You also want to try and limit the amount of sugar you take in. This is another reason to avoid processed foods as they are typically higher in sugar content. Sugar is a food source for bacteria in your mouth, which leads to overall dental issues. Avoiding things like candy, pop, and processed foods can help you cut down the sugar you take in.
Water Is Important
It’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough fluids, namely water. Water is essential to being healthy, and substituting it for things like pop will help you take in less sugars. It can also help you feel more full, which can cut down on binging.
You also get the added benefit that most water has, which is added fluoride. Fluoride can help strengthen your teeth, which will help prevent oral issues.
What Foods Work For You
You also want to make sure that you eat foods that agree with you. It’s well known that many women react poorly to certain foods, especially in the early days of pregnancy when morning sickness is common.
The importance here, for more than just sanity, is that foods that can cause you to vomit can lead to dental issues. The stomach acids present in vomit can damage your teeth, which makes you susceptible to issues like gum disease. Be cognizant of this, but keep a balance in mind and eat nutrient rich foods.
Eating good foods is important for your body as well as your mouth. Keep this in mind during your pregnancy, and it will help you lead a healthier lifestyle while you are pregnant.