“Congratulations, you’re pregnant!” A mountain of emotions come with that announcement! Whether you are a first-time mom or an experienced mother, you do your best to protect that precious life you are carrying. Your physical health becomes more important with goals for regular medical visits, healthy eating, vitamin supplements, good sleep, and less stress. Part of that healthy regimen for the pregnant mother should include her regular dental visits. In this article we will explain why that is the case.
Importance of Dental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body, including her oral health. Hormonal shifts make gums more sensitive, increasing the chance of swelling, bleeding, or infection. If gum disease is present or develops during this time, it impacts the overall health of a pregnant mother and, in severe cases, leads to complications like preterm birth or low birth weight. This happens because the bacteria that causes gum disease enters the bloodstream and apparently can affect the unborn baby. So, maintaining good oral hygiene throughout pregnancy benefits both mother and child, making it an essential part of prenatal care.
Dental Health Tips for Pregnant Women
To ensure your dental health during pregnancy, here are our recommendations:
Brush and Floss Daily — brushing at a minimum twice a day and flossing at least once a day helps to remove plaque and prevent gum inflammation. Because hormonal changes make your gums more sensitive, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce the risk of bleeding and be gentle while flossing.
Eat a Balanced Diet — choosing nutritious foods rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals supports your physical health (and that of your fetus too) as well as your dental health. Avoiding sugary snacks and opting for healthier foods like fruits, vegetables, and cheese helps. Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated and helps your mouth stay clean. Water also reduces the risk of dry mouth, and that lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.
Rinse Your Mouth Frequently —“morning sickness” in the first trimester of pregnancy can do significant damage to the teeth. If you are one of the unfortunate women who get morning sickness, it is important that you rinse your mouth with water or a non-acidic fluoride mouthwash after vomiting. Stomach acid attacks and breaks down the protective enamel on your teeth, but rinsing your mouth afterwards reduces this risk. If you want to brush as well, it is best to wait 30 minutes after vomiting so that the remaining acid in your mouth dissipates before you spread it around with your toothbrush.
Maintain Regular Dental Check-Ups — Inform your dentist about your pregnancy so that they can ensure that any treatments or medications they use are adjusted for your safety and the safety of your unborn child. Regularly scheduled cleanings and checkups allow your dentist to identify and address any oral health issues before they become serious.
Following all of these suggestions can give you peace of mind, knowing that you are doing all you can to protect your health and the health of your precious baby.
Healthy Mom – Healthy Baby
At the Yuba City Dentistry Group, we partner with all of our patients to protect their oral health at all stages of life. We provide exceptional dental care for pregnant mothers because we know that good oral health during this time carries special importance for both the mother and the baby. Contact us to answer additional questions you may have about your oral hygiene during pregnancy or to schedule an in-person consultation, cleaning, or exam.
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