If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to understand how pregnancy may affect your oral health. Along with regular visits to your OB/GYN, you should pay attention to your oral health as your child continues to grow. In this blog from Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll give you a few tips for keeping your mouth healthy throughout your pregnancy.
If you’re ready to have a child but you’re not yet pregnant, seeing your dentist before you conceive is a good idea. When you see your dentist, they can note any oral health issues and develop an understanding of your oral health before your pregnancy.
Seeing a dentist also means that you can get any necessary treatments, such as fillings or crowns, before your pregnancy. Most dental treatments are safe during pregnancy, but this still helps simplify your dental care.
Oral exams and teeth cleanings are recommended every six months. So, after your initial consultation, chances are very good that you’ll need to see your dentist again before you deliver your child. Don’t skip this appointment. Getting a teeth cleaning helps fight back against issues like cavities and gingivitis, and allows your dentist to keep an eye on your oral health.
Nearly 70% of pregnant mothers experience morning sickness during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Morning sickness can make you vomit in the morning, which exposes your teeth to stomach acid that can damage them. It also may make it harder to care for your mouth, since the idea of brushing your teeth or using mouthwash may make you feel nauseous.
If you do have morning sickness, try your best to rinse out your mouth with water if you do get sick, and brush or use mouthwash, if possible. This helps remove the bulk of stomach acid, and will keep your mouth healthy.
Even if you take great care of your gums, you may notice some gum bleeding, swelling, and inflammation during your pregnancy. If you’re maintaining good oral hygiene, you don’t need to worry about this issue, since it’s likely pregnancy-induced gingivitis.
This happens because high levels of certain hormones like progesterone create an increased response to oral bacteria, which can lead to gingivitis. The good news is that after your child is born, your hormone levels will return to normal. And as long as you maintain good oral hygiene, your gingivitis will go away.
Brushing 2-3 times per day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once per day is essential for pregnant mothers. This is particularly true if you experience pregnancy cravings for sugary and starchy foods. Maintaining your oral hygiene properly will lower your risk of cavities during your pregnancy.
And despite those cravings also should try to limit sugary and starchy foods while you’re pregnant. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for your health and for your growing baby. Follow your OB/GYN’s dietary advice, and make sure you’re getting all the supplements and minerals you need during pregnancy.
Whether you’re already pregnant or you’re looking to become pregnant, it’s important to take care of your oral health. And once you’re a proud parent, you should make sure your child’s mouth is healthy, too. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids see the dentist at the age of 1 year old, or whenever their first tooth erupts.
So if you’re a new parent in Yardley, Bensalem, Warrington, or Glenside, Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. With multiple convenient locations and board-certified pediatric dentists, your little one will be in good hands. Contact us today to learn more, and see why we’re the best choice for your little one.