Protecting Your Teeth During Pregnancy

Pregnancy impacts a woman’s entire body, from her hair to her toes. That means oral care is no exception when it comes to monitoring your health while you’re pregnant.

More and more evidence is pointing to a connection between premature births and gum disease. Some researchers believe that gum disease raises the levels of biological fluids that can cause a woman to go into labor early. In addition to premature labor, gum disease can also cause a child to have an unhealthy and low birth weight.

During your pregnancy, keep an eye on your gums. Maintain strong dental care that includes thorough brushing and flossing every day, twice a day. If you notice swollen or bleeding gums, see your dentist to get them checked out as soon as you can.

You’re considered one of the lucky few if you go through pregnancy and don’t experience morning sickness. Constant vomiting is more than just unpleasant, it wreaks havoc on your pearly whites. In fact, acid from your stomach can even contribute to tooth erosion.

After a round of morning sickness, the best way to protect your teeth is rinsing with water and baking soda. Baking soda has a basic pH level and neutralizes the acidity level in your mouth. Mixing baking soda with a teaspoon of water followed by a thorough brushing relieves your teeth and keeps them free from erosion.

It’s not uncommon to experience dry mouth at some point during your pregnancy. Dry mouth is never healthy for your oral hygiene and can lead to other problems like bad breath, tooth decay, and oral infections.

Make sure you’re staying properly hydrated throughout your entire pregnancy. Remember, you’re drinking for two now, so the more water, the better! Chewing sugarless gum can also help stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth moist.

You may have your doctor appointments all lined up during your pregnancy, but what about your dental visits? Maintaining proper dental care throughout your pregnancy is important for keeping both you and your growing baby healthy.

To stay safe, dentists recommend scheduling any non-urgent dental care routines during the second trimester or early in the third trimester of pregnancy. Medications and x-rays are avoided during pregnancy, unless necessary for a dental emergency.

Regardless of how far along you are in your pregnancy, urgent care should never wait. Any infections or toothaches that cause severe pain should be taken care of. Don’t hesitate to call and discuss any oral discomfort you’re having with your dentist.

To maintain the healthiest possible pregnancy, practice strong oral hygiene to keep away any potential tooth problems.

Keep your teeth shining bright throughout your entire pregnancy. If you’re expecting to become pregnant, keep your teeth in tip-top shape by following your regularly scheduled dental visits. For women who are pregnant, don’t be afraid to see us during your second or early in your third trimester!