Pregnancy Dental Care Tips

Dental visits are very safe and recommended during pregnancy. This is because your oral health has a direct impact on your baby’s health.

No doubt, pregnancy is one of the most exciting and magical moments in a woman’s life. But did you know that according to the CDC, pregnancy makes you more susceptible to gum diseases and tooth caries?

That is why, during pregnancy, it is more important than ever to practice good dental hygiene. In this article, we’ll share some tips that you can use to take care of your oral health while you’re pregnant.

1. Brush Your Teeth

Remember to brush your teeth twice a day. This will help prevent plaque buildup and keep gum-related diseases at bay. When brushing, use a soft toothbrush and brush gently. But if you find yourself gagging, try brushing your teeth at a later time, say at around midday.

2. Remember to Floss

Brushing your teeth is good, but adding flossing to your dental care routine will help make it more effective. Flossing cleans the hard-to-reach places between your teeth and prevents plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

3. Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Try as much as possible to avoid processed sugar during your pregnancy. Sugar causes a lot of damage to your teeth. Here’s how: The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid, which can erode your teeth and cause decay.

However, some pregnancy cravings might make this problematic. In that case, always brush your teeth after eating sugary foods.

4.Gargle with Baking Soda

Pregnancy comes along with the not-so-pleasant morning sickness, including nausea and vomiting. However, vomiting can be pretty damaging to your teeth because the stomach acid that comes up with the vomit is strong enough to erode your teeth’ enamel. To protect your teeth and neutralize the stomach acid, gargle with a glass of water mixed with a tablespoon of baking soda. Do this a few times a day, especially after a bout of morning sickness.

5. Lookout for Gingivitis

During pregnancy, you’ll experience hormonal changes and increased blood flow. This can eventually lead to pregnancy gingivitis. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe infections, putting mother and baby at risk.

Signs to look out for include redness and swelling, bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, and sensitive teeth and gums. Should you notice any of these signs, contact the Dental Anesthesia Center immediately.

6. Keep Your Dentist Appointments

Contrary to popular belief, dentist visits are very safe and recommended during pregnancy. This is because your oral health has a direct impact on your baby’s health.

As we mentioned earlier, pregnancy makes you more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum diseases. Sadly, these diseases and infections can affect your unborn baby’s health or increase the odds of premature birth. To be safe, make sure you schedule frequent dental care visits throughout your pregnancy.

Contact Us!

Are you pregnant and looking for the best dental care services? Contact the Dental Anesthesia Center today. Our experienced and friendly dentists are always available to address any dental concerns that you might have.