As an expectant mother, you are probably hesitant to do many of the things you did before for fear you will harm your baby. With all of the lifestyle changes that you go through during this exciting time, it’s important that you maintain your dental health and hygiene routine.
Still, you might wonder what you should and should not continue to do to take care of your teeth. Below are all of the things you should be doing:
Brush and floss every day
It’s imperative that you continue to brush and floss your teeth. Cleaning your teeth and protecting your gums is key to maintaining good oral health throughout your pregnancy and after.
Pregnancy affects your body in many ways. One of which is that makes your gums more susceptible to plaque. In fact, pregnant women have an increased risk of developing gingivitis during those nine months. This mild form of gum disease causes your gums to bleed, turn red, and become sore. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can worsen and cause premature labor low birth weight, lead to a more serious form of gum disease, and more.
Because of this, it’s really important that you brush twice a day and floss at least once.
Don’t miss a dental appointment
Now more than ever it’s important that you stay on top of routine dental checkups and cleanings. Not only do you want to stay healthy, but by having your teeth and gums checked, you’ll reduce the risk of having a dental emergency during the course of your pregnancy.
Although it’s safe to receive dental treatment at any time in your pregnancy, there are certain times that are better than others to go. The best time to schedule your visit is during your second trimester. During your first trimester, you are likely nauseous and have a stronger gag reflex, which will make your appointment uncomfortable. Then, in your third trimester, it may be more difficult to lay in the reclining chair due to the positioning and weight of your baby.
Maintain a healthy diet
It’s always important to maintain a healthy diet both for your overall health and wellbeing and for the sake of your teeth. During your pregnancy, it’s even more important to stay on top of your diet. Eating for yourself and your baby will cause you to be hungry more often. Frequent snacking, especially the unhealthy kind, increases your risk of cavities. Plus, pregnancy increases your risk of tooth decay.
In addition to that, your baby’s teeth begin to develop between your third and sixth months of pregnancy. Your baby needs you to eat healthy so they can get the vitamins and minerals they need for their teeth to form correctly. Be mindful of what you’re putting into your body. Sticking to lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains will ensure that you and your baby protect your teeth and feel better.
Protect your teeth during morning sickness
One of the least pleasant parts of pregnancy is morning sickness. Frequent vomiting increases your risk of tooth enamel decay due to the repeated exposure to acid. Rinsing your mouth with baking soda and water after will help protect your enamel.
If you have any questions about taking better care of your teeth during your pregnancy, give us a call. Schedule your checkup and cleaning appointment before you forget.