Pregnancy and Oral Health – 5 Top Dental Tips

Pregnancy is an exciting time and one in which you may find yourself so immersed in reading baby manuals as you prepare for your new arrival that you forget to schedule a dental check-up. Naturally, the most important thing at this time is keeping both yourself and your baby healthy but you may not realize the importance of oral health care during pregnancy.

We’ve put together 5 oral health care tips to help you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy, so please take the time to read and digest this information.

1. Maintain good oral care – This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Be sure to attend all scheduled dental visits and professional cleanings.

2. Tell your dentist your news – You may have told everyone that cares about you that you’re pregnant but what about your dentist? Don’t wait until your bump is visibly showing to let them know. It’s important, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy, that you make your dentist in Chesterfield aware of any restrictions or medications which apply at this time.
3. Know about hormonal changes– Everyone knows that a woman’s hormones run havoc when she is pregnant but were you aware that this can impact oral health? Hormonal changes can intensify bacterial growth in the gum tissue which can lead to gingivitis, the first stage of periodontitis or gum disease. The symptoms to look out for include gums which appear redder than normal, swelling, and bleeding when you brush your teeth. Periodontitis is an ongoing disease which is serious for anyone who develops it, but it’s even more dangerous for pregnant women as studies have associated it with premature labor and low birth weight, both of which could have serious consequences for your new-born.
4. Watch your diet – Everything you eat affects your baby’s health so be careful about the foods and snacks that you eat. Try and eat plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables and cut back on sweets and carbohydrates since the sugars may cause tooth decay during pregnancy. Try and drink more water and low-fat milk to keep hydrated and avoid sugary drinks like soda.
5. Dangers of morning sickness – If you’re an expectant mom that suffers from morning sickness then you have our deepest sympathy. We know how awful this can make you feel. Unfortunately, morning sickness flags up concerns about oral health and pregnancy since acid from your stomach can cause erosion of your teeth and gums. The same also applies if you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn during your pregnancy. Although you might be tempted to brush your teeth right away, the best way of protecting your tooth enamel is to neutralize the acid by rinsing your mouth with a little baking soda dissolved in cold water to and then brush your teeth afterward with toothpaste.

Despite what many people think, visiting your Chesterfield dentist for a check-up is perfectly safe. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists actively encourages it. Pregnancy means massive changes in your body and lifestyle but don’t forget caring for your teeth and gums is as important as looking after the rest of you.