We cannot overemphasize the importance of dental care during pregnancy. The more aware an expectant mother is, the healthier her baby will be. Awareness does not come without effort, though. There are lots of things you need to do, from tracking changes in the mouth to keeping up with daily oral hygiene.
If You’re Planning a Baby
Before you get pregnant, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. They will clean your teeth professionally, examine your gum tissue, and take care of any issues in advance. If you are already pregnant, it’s a good idea to tell your dentist about it.
Visits to the Dentist During Pregnancy
Your dentist is a highly valuable source of advice when it comes to prenatal care. You should see them regularly, just like you see your doctor for prenatal exams. They will talk to you about oral health changes during pregnancy, what to expect, and things to look out for. There is a strong relationship between your child’s heath and your own health.
Dental Hygiene and Dental Care During Pregnancy
Here are some tips from experts on daily dental hygiene to consider during this period.
Floss once a day, gently. It’s normal to have tender or even swollen gums during pregnancy. Call your dentist if they worry you. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and use a soft toothbrush, especially if your gums are swollen. Brush as gently as you can without exerting strong force. To fight increasing plaque, ask your dentist about an antibacterial rinse. See them for cleaning and exams regularly.
Women who get morning sickness are advised to perform mouth rinses. The easiest rinse to make is water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda. This will also prevent stomach acid from causing decay by attacking your gums and teeth.
Eating and Drinking During Pregnancy
Stay hydrated. Drink water when you snack and between meals. The right diet will keep your baby healthy. Eating well will impact your young one’s teeth, which will have started to develop by the sixth month of pregnancy.
The right diet is a combination of fruits, vegetables, unsweetened dairy products, and whole-grain products. Make sure you get plenty of vitamin C, calcium, and B12 to help keep your teeth and gums in good condition.
Finally, avoid sugary drinks like soda and sweetened fruit juice and cut down on cookies, candy, and other high-sugar foods. Avoid starches as well.
Dental Issues to Monitor
Your hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy. This leaves your mouth more vulnerable to plaque and bacteria. It makes gums tender, putting you at greater risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis will fight plaque buildup, a highly common occurrence during pregnancy. Your dentist or dental hygienist will get rid of plaque buildup when you come in for your regular exam. Gum inflammation is more probable between the third and sixth month of pregnancy. Don’t panic if your gums bleed during flossing and brushing. That goes with the territory, so to speak.
If you already have gum disease, pregnancy can make it worse. Gum disease or periodontitis comes from untreated gingivitis. Pregnancy does not itself cause gum disease.
Some women develop what are known as pregnancy tumors. These are benign tissue overgrowths on the gums. They are most likely to appear between the third and sixth month, like gum inflammation. After the baby is born, they usually disappear.
If you are pregnant and would like a consultation with an experienced dentist, give Valley Dental Care a call today. We’ll tell you even more about dental care during pregnancy.