While your dental health plays an essential role in your overall health, it’s especially critical during pregnancy when you’re more vulnerable to oral issues. Pregnancy can cause dental problems in some women, including periodontal diseases and increased tooth decay.

This is typically caused by hormonal spikes, which make your gums more sensitive to irritants in plaque. This may result in inflammation and bleeding of gums. However, with proper dental care during pregnancy, you can minimize your risk of various dental problems.

Here are some valuable tips for proper dental care during pregnancy to keep your teeth in good shape and promote your general health.

• Don’t Brush Your Teeth After Morning Sickness

While it can be very tempting to brush your teeth after morning sickness, you should avoid it at all costs. You don’t want the stomach acids to erode your teeth enamel. It’s advisable to wait about an hour before you brush your teeth.

Meanwhile, you can rinse your mouth out with plain water or a non-acidic, non-alcoholic mouthwash.

• Be Sure To Floss Every Day

We’ve seen that pregnancy increases your risk of developing oral health problems like gingivitis. Statistics show that forty percent of pregnant women will develop gum disease (pregnancy gingivitis) at some point during their pregnancy.

Regular flossing is one of the easiest, most effective ways to prevent this problem. By flossing at least once a day, you’ll get rid of germs and food debris from in between your teeth, preventing them from turning into plaque.

Plaque frequently leads to gum irritation and eventually causes gum disease. That’s why it’s crucial to turn flossing into a daily routine. It’s also worth noting that gum disease should be treated as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can progress into periodontitis, a more severe problem that can cause gum and jawbone damage.

If you suspect you have gingivitis, with symptoms like pain when chewing or tender and bleeding gums, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.

• Get Your Nutrition Right

Eating a well-balanced diet is important not only to your general health but also for the health of you and your baby.  You need to eat foods that are rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals. The following nutritional elements are especially vital for preventing dental issues during pregnancy:

• Vitamins A, C, and D
• Calcium
• Phosphorous
• Protein

It’s also important to avoid excessive snacking when you’re pregnant. Snacking promotes an accumulation of plaque, which is a major cause of tooth decay. If your cravings strike while you’re pregnant, try to appease them with snacks that are low in sugar but rich in protein.

If you use alcohol or tobacco products, it’s time to stop. These are not only bad for your baby’s health, but they also increase your risk of dental issues. In fact, tobacco products are notorious for tooth staining.

• Drink Lots of Tap Water

Tap water contains fluoride that can help strengthen your teeth and prevent decay. Furthermore, the fluoride in water or toothpaste cannot harm your developing baby. If you have any worries, however, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist or pharmacist.

• Keep Dentist Appointments

The best way to maintain the health of your teeth and gums is by visiting your family dentist on a regular basis. Dentists can detect problems before they can progress into more severe complications, and recommend the right treatment.

If you’re worried about regular dental visits when you’re pregnant, you should realize that it’s completely safe. It’s especially important if you’re in need of urgent dental procedures.

If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms or irritation, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist and schedule an urgent appointment. Regular check-ups can provide peace of mind that all is well with your dental health.

It’s also advisable to tell your dentist the names and dosages of all medications you are taking. This includes prenatal vitamins and medications prescribed by your doctor. Also, remember to tell your dentist any specific medical advice given by your doctor.

This information will help your dentist create the best dental treatment plan for you.  

Conclusion

Dental care during pregnancy is vital. It should not only be observed in the nine months that the baby grows in the mother’s womb, but it should start as early as the woman decides to have a baby. With these five tips, women can uphold proper dental care during pregnancy. Consequently, they’ll minimize their risk of dental problems and promote their overall health.