Pregnancy is one of the most miraculous events the human body ever goes through. While some of the physical changes are obvious and expected, others are less obvious. Dental health, for example, requires some particular attention when you’re pregnant. While dental hygiene, in general, stays the same, your mouth can use some extra love during the three trimesters.
Here’s what you need to know:
How Pregnancy Affects Dental Health
Pregnancy affects nearly every aspect of a woman’s physical health, including her teeth.
If you’re expecting, you may have noticed some changes in your oral health or dental routine. Here are a few things that pregnancy can do to your teeth and mouth:
- Pregnancy-Induced Gingivitis. It’s common to notice changes in your gums during pregnancy. In some cases, gums may look redder, or bleed as you brush your teeth. Some women also have severe swelling and bleeding in the gums during this time. In many cases, this condition is directly related to being pregnant. Because there’s a peak in the hormone progesterone, bacteria growth can flourish. Add to that the fact that the immune system works differently during pregnancy and you’ve got a recipe for some sad, swollen gums.
- Excess saliva. Sometimes, pregnancy can make you feel like there is too much saliva in your mouth. This condition is common early on but typically decreases toward the end of the first trimester.
- Dry mouth. On the other end of the spectrum, pregnancy can cause dry mouth syndrome. Fortunately, this is easy to combat by staying hydrated and sucking sugarless hard candies to stimulate saliva production.
4 Tips to Care for Your Teeth During Pregnancy
Interested in dentistry needs and guidelines while pregnant? Here’s a breakdown on how to care for your teeth while you’ve got a baby on board:
1. Talk to Your Dentist
The first step to good dental health during pregnancy is to talk to your dentist. Routine dental care is essential, and your dentist will be able to work with you regarding elective dental procedures you may want to undergo during the pregnancy. Maintaining an open dialogue about your dental health is the first step in promoting ongoing dental health and wellbeing. Don’t forget to tell your dentist about any medications you may be taking.
2. Cope With Morning Sickness
If morning sickness keeps you from brushing your teeth because it makes you nauseated, there are a few ways to work around it. First, you could try switching to a bland-tasting toothpaste. This may be enough to avoid nausea and help you keep your teeth healthy.
If you do have a bout of morning sickness, be sure to swish your mouth out with water to flush out bacteria. You can also use mouthwash to freshen your breath and leave your mouth feeling clean.
3. Avoid Sweet Snacks
Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy, but they can promote dental decay. With this in mind, limit your intake of sweets and avoid sugary snacks. By eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, you’ll support your dental health and help your baby grow big and strong.
4. Be Gentle While Flossing
Your gums can be swollen and sensitive during pregnancy, so be sure you’re gentle while you brush and floss. Doing either too hard can create irritation and bleeding that may have a negative impact on your overall dental health.
Good Dental Health Starts Here
Your health and wellness are essential when you’re pregnant. By paying attention to your dental health as well as everything else, you can keep your smile beautiful and strong as you move through this exciting time.
Want to talk to a skilled professional about your dental health during pregnancy? Contact our team today!