Pregnancy is a time of significant change, and as your body grows, taking extra precautions to protect yourself and your baby is essential. Your oral health is no exception.
Many expectant mothers may not recognize how crucial proper dental care is during this period. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices throughout pregnancy is important for both mother and baby. Here are six practical tips to help you effectively care for your teeth and gums while expecting.
Maintain a Daily Routine
Pregnant women who have poor oral health are at risk of developing gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis is a serious infection that can damage the bone that supports your teeth. Studies suggest that periodontitis may even result in poor labour outcomes such as pre-term labour.
Furthermore, as your body goes through hormonal changes, you may be at increased risk of developing gingivitis. A proper daily oral care routine can reduce your chances of developing this infection. Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss at least once.
Increased nausea and a stronger gag reflex may make your routine difficult, but you must stick with it. A daily routine will also help you quickly identify any unusual changes, such as swollen, tender or bleeding gums.
Manage Morning Sickness
Around 50-75% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, which leads to nausea and vomiting. This vomiting exposes teeth to potent stomach acid, potentially causing significant damage and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
If you are experiencing morning sickness, it’s wise to take the necessary steps to protect your oral health. After vomiting, rinse your mouth immediately. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash or baking soda dissolved in water to neutralize the stomach acid left in your mouth.
Brushing immediately after vomiting can damage your teeth, so be sure to wait at least 30 minutes. After 30 minutes have gone by, brush your teeth to remove any lingering germs that may be present.
Eat a Balanced Meal
The food you eat can directly impact your oral health – another reason why proper diet and nutrition are crucial during pregnancy.
Be sure to consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. These nutrient-rich foods provide vitamins and minerals that help boost oral health and protect your gums and soft tissues from infections.
Avoid snacks that are full of sugar, as these put you at an increased risk of developing cavities. Also, stay away from foods or snacks that are hard or crunchy, as these can get stuck in the gums or between your teeth and cause damage.
Drink Water
Water is always the best drink option for more than one reason. It helps to fight against bad breath and remove large food chunks that may be stuck between your teeth after eating. Water’s fluoride content may also help to strengthen teeth and gums.
Address Dental Issues Promptly
Some people make the mistake of assuming that whatever oral health issues they experience in pregnancy can wait until after giving birth. However, a delay in addressing dental problems that arise could lead to complications and even infections that could put you and your baby at risk.
In some cases, women avoid dental work while pregnant for fear that it will affect their baby. However, no evidence supports this. If you think you have a dental issue, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Ensure you stick with your regular scheduled dental visits during your pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Your dentist can properly monitor your oral health and address any issues early on.
With hormonal changes, there will be changes in your gum and teeth, including increased sensitivity and bleeding. Regular visits to your dentist ensure these changes do not lead to more serious complications later.
How Can Peak Dental Arts Help You?
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is understandable that you want to do everything possible to protect your health and your baby’s health. At Peak Dental Arts, we will conduct a complete oral assessment and provide comprehensive care to address any existing issues.
Maintaining excellent oral health during pregnancy is a crucial aspect of prenatal care. By sticking to a proper routine and following the tips provided, expectant mothers can reduce the risk of dental complications.
Remember, your oral health is an essential part of your overall health. Don’t allow misinformation to prevent you from seeking proper care during this time.
Our compassionate and experienced team are here to address your unique needs, answer your questions, and ensure you receive the best possible care during your journey to motherhood.
Fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment and take the first step to a healthier you!
