Dental Care When You’re Pregnant
Pregnancy causes several changes in your hormonal balance because of the higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone that are produced by the placenta during this time. These hormonal changes can leave you more susceptible to gum disease and
other dental problems that can impact your overall health. When you’re pregnant, your health can affect the health of your developing baby. This makes it even more important to take special care of your teeth during your pregnancy. These tips will help you maintain your dental health during this wonderful period in your life.
Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Dentist
There are two reasons to visit your dentist regularly during these 9 months. Firstly, your dentist is a trusted source of information and will help you make informed decisions regarding your dental health during pregnancy. Secondly, routine check-ups and cleanings at the best way to keep potential oral problems at bay and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Brush And Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Regular brushing and flossing is the key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy at all times. With a higher vulnerability to gum infections and inflammation, brushing and flossing are all the more important during pregnancy. Be careful not to brush or floss too vigorously as this could aggravate your already sensitive gums. If you do experience bleeding when brushing or flossing, speak to your dentist. While this is a common occurrence during pregnancy, you want to make sure that there are no other problems causing it. It helps to remember that the bleeding will stop after your baby is born.
Be Careful Not To Over-Indulge Your Food Cravings
Food cravings are common and can make for many an interesting conversation. While it’s okay to give in to your cravings occasionally, try not to over-indulge especially if you’re craving sugary snacks. Too much sugar can increase the risk of developing tooth decay and can cause other health problems as well. One way to beat your sugar cravings is to explore the grocery aisles for healthier options and stock up on those.
Protect Your Teeth After A Bout Of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is one of the less exciting things about being pregnant. Besides being terribly uncomfortable it can also damage your teeth permanently if you’re not careful. Vomit is acidic in nature and can soften the enamel covering of your teeth. Brushing your teeth immediately after a bout of morning sickness can erode the softened enamel. This can leave your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and premature decay. It’s best to wait at least an hour or more before brushing your teeth. Meanwhile, rinse your mouth with plain water to get the taste out of your mouth. If you must eat something, opt for a glass of milk or a slice of hard cheese, which will neutralise the acid and also get rid of the sour taste in your mouth. Chewing on sugar-free gum also helps.
Dental care during pregnancy is not very complicated but it is important to be careful about the few aspects mentioned above so as to avoid any major issues.
