If you’re expecting – congratulations! It’s an exciting time full of anticipation. It’s also a time when every part of your body is undergoing major changes – including your oral health! Researchers have learned so much in recent years about the link between a mother’s oral health and her baby’s health. In fact, pregnant women with gum disease have been found to have a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth-weight babies. But that’s not all. You might also be surprised at how pregnancy can affect your teeth and gums. In this blog, you’ll learn 6 of the best tips for a healthy mouth during pregnancy from a dentist in Los Alamitos so both you and your baby can thrive during this special time.
Pay Extra Attention To Your Gums
Due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnant women can get “pregnancy gingivitis.” Here are some of the signs and symptoms you might notice:
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Red, tender or swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Chronic or persistent bad breath
As mentioned, gingivitis can adversely affect the health of your unborn baby. Also, if it goes untreated it can lead to a more serious stage of gum disease (also called periodontal disease), which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
Gum health during pregnancy is so important that some insurance companies will even cover an extra cleaning during this time, so it’s worthwhile to check your benefits.
Avoid X-Rays If Possible
Routine X-rays are safer than ever because the modern digital kind requires a fraction of the radiation that traditional X-rays do.
Having said that, it’s still recommended to avoid them altogether during pregnancy unless there’s an emergency situation such as an infection or abscess. In those cases, the benefits of X-rays far outweigh the risks.
Increase Brushing and Flossing
The usual guideline is brushing twice per day and flossing once. During pregnancy, that increases to brushing 3 times a day and flossing once or twice.
Why? It’s normal for the bacteria in the mouth to increase during pregnancy, but extra brushing and flossing will help counteract that.
Minimize Sugars
In addition to putting you at an increased risk for cavities, keeping sugars to a minimum reduces your risk of gestational diabetes.
Reduce Morning Sickness
Morning sickness affects some pregnant women more than others. You can try a few different additions to your hygiene routine such as swishing with either warm water or an antibacterial mouthwash in the morning.
You can also brush with baking soda to calm an upset stomach, although it’s recommended to talk with your doctor first as it might contribute to high blood pressure in some women.
Only Undergo Major Dental Work If Truly Necessary
The best way to avoid needing major work is to schedule regular checkups with a family dentist. That way, your dental health will be closely monitored and any potential issues can be stabilized before turning into bigger problems!
About the Author
Dr. William Poe is a family dentist in Los Alamitos who always educates his patients about the connection between pregnancy and oral health. He knows that great hygiene at home and preventative care during pregnancy leads to better outcomes for both mothers and their babies. If you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (562) 594-5067.