Pregnancy brings so many changes to a woman’s body. Whether dealing with morning sickness, change in appetite or just feeling too tired to brush, navigating those changes and becoming familiar with this new experience can help support your good health and peace of mind.
Brushing & Flossing
With pregnancy often comes a more sensitive gag reflex. You may need to use a small toothbrush head, change toothpaste flavor or brush when you are least sensitive. But keeping your dental routine is important. Continue to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
When you’re pregnant, hormones can make your gums more susceptible to irritation by plaque resulting in sore, tender and bleeding gums. As many as half of all pregnant women develop pregnancy gingivitis. Generally developing sometime between the second and eighth month, it usually goes away on its own after childbirth. Follow your normal dental care routine and check-in with your dentist if you have any questions about keeping your gums as healthy as possible during this time.
Morning Sickness
Unpleasant enough on its own, this pregnancy symptom can also affect the health of your teeth. The stomach acids in vomit can eat away at your teeth and cause damage. To keep the acid from harming your teeth, just swish water, diluted mouth rinse or a mixture of one cup of water to 1 tsp. of baking soda in your mouth and spit. This will wash the acid out of your mouth. Wait around 30 minutes or so to brush your teeth.
Keep Those Appointments
Dental cleanings and check-ups are a great part of your prenatal care, especially if you are showing signs of pregnancy gingivitis. Notify your dentist of how far along you are and if you have any special recommendations for care from your physician.
Dental Procedures
Cavity fillings and crowns are not only safe but are important to have done if necessary during pregnancy to avoid the risk of infection. Certain cosmetic procedures that aren’t time-sensitive such as teeth whitening should wait until after the pregnancy. X-rays for routine check-ups can wait but f you have a dental emergency, your dental team will cover you with a protective apron to minimize radiation exposure.
Your dental health is always vital so continuing to care for your teeth during your pregnancy is an important part of your overall health care.
Note: Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified dental and medical health providers with questions you may have regarding your specific dental or medical conditions.