Jan 27 2012
Certain Pregnancy Cravings Cause Dental Problems
Everyone has heard of pregnant women craving certain food. But did you now that certain cravings can have an ill effect on their teeth?
Aside from eating sweets too often causing decay, like ice cream, other pregnant women suffer from an unusual eating disorder called pica. With pica, you will have cravings for ice, freezer frost, or even soil! Pica can have adverse effects on an individual’s oral health during pregnancy and also can be hard to diagnose and treat during those nine crucial months.
Pica is a compulsive eating disorder in which sufferers have a constant appetite for non-nutritious substances. Although the conditions’ association and cause during pregnancy are not known, some believe that depression or iron and zinc deficiencies during pregnancy could be a major factor. Nevertheless, pica can destroy the mother’s teeth since it can cause serious erosion of the tooth’s enamel, as well as sensitivity, thinning, and chipping.
While women often believe they should avoid dental care during pregnancy, and some dentist will wait until after the baby is born to treat cavities, it is very important for those suffering from eating disorders, like pica, to continue with their dental visits. Surprisingly, the family dentists are often the first to witness the physical effects of an eating disorder on an individual’s oral health.
Pregnancy is a time to make sure you take care of yourself, including your oral health. Consult with your family dentist for the best way to do this safely for you and your baby.