What You Need to Know About Dental Care During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of many changes, both physically and emotionally. Along with those changes come new challenges, like figuring out how to take care of your changing body and keeping your baby safe. When it comes to dental care, there are a few things pregnant women need to know in order to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Here are 7 things every expectant mom should know about dental care during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Can Cause Changes in Oral Health

Taking care of your health is one of the most important aspects of pregnancy, especially when it comes to oral health. Pregnancy can have a profound impact on your teeth, increasing plaque and bacteria that can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and even gum disease. However, this doesn't have to be something you worry about. There are simple steps you can take to ensure your mouth stays healthy while pregnant. Brushing and flossing twice a day is essential during pregnancy as it helps keep plaque and bacteria at bay, along with regular visits to the dentist to make sure everything's in order. A few extra minutes each day dedicated solely to caring for your teeth can make all the difference!

Don't Skip the Dental Checkups While Pregnant

Visiting the dentist is an important part of maintaining your oral health during pregnancy. Not only can it help to prevent dental decay, but your doctor may also be able to detect and address any underlying issues early on to ensure that both you and your baby remain healthy. A checkup and cleaning will ensure that plaque and tartar buildup stay at bay, while regular x-rays can help diagnose gum disease or enamel erosion before they become a bigger problem. So don’t forget to make an appointment with your dentist, as it’s one of the best ways to take care of both you and your baby during pregnancy.

Avoid Sugary Snacks and Drinks

Whether or not you're pregnant, one of the most pervasive health issues today is tooth decay, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help to protect you from it. Foods and beverages that are high in sugar can lead to plaque accumulation, bacterial buildup, and weakened enamel, all of which contribute to accelerated tooth decay, so it's important to stay diligent about this during pregnancy. Sugary snacks should be consumed in moderation and thoroughly brushed away when eaten. Drinking water after consuming sugary items can help remove sugar residue that contributes to plaque formation. It’s best to avoid sugary treats altogether as part of a healthy dental hygiene routine. By cutting back on added sugars, you can better maintain strong teeth while safeguarding against cavities, pain, and other signs of tooth decay.

Morning Sickness Can Increase Your Risk of Cavities

Morning sickness can be an uncomfortable experience for pregnant women, but what most may not realize is that it can also affect their oral health. Vomiting brings up stomach acids which can cause damage to the teeth and increase the risk of cavities due to enamel erosion. This can lead to a host of dental problems that make brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist even more important during pregnancy. That's why, in order to stay ahead of issues like cavities, morning sickness sufferers should first rinse with a baking soda and water solution after vomiting, followed by brushing their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste to effectively remineralize any soft spots on their teeth and protect them from further damage.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy Can Make Gums More Sensitive

Paying extra attention to your oral health during pregnancy is important. Hormonal changes may cause an increase in gingivitis or inflammation of the gum tissue, making your gums more sensitive than usual. When brushing and flossing, be gentle to avoid irritating the already sensitive gums. Keeping good oral hygiene helps keep bacteria levels low and ensure you don't develop issues like periodontal disease as a result of not paying enough attention to your teeth and gums during this special time. Talk with your dentist about any concerns so they can help guide you and recommend specific cleaning routines while pregnant.

Pregnancy can also cause gum disease, so be sure to see a dentist if you notice any changes in your gums

During pregnancy, increased hormone levels can cause changes to your gums. They may become swollen, tender, and inflamed. If left untreated, these changes can lead to an advanced condition of gum disease that can not only affect your oral health but also put your baby's health at risk. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist if you notice any changes in your gums during pregnancy. A professional cleaning or other treatment will help ensure that your gums stay healthy and pain-free throughout the course of your pregnancy.

Trust Dentists of Whittier with Your Oral Health During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring about many physical and emotional changes but taking care of your dental health during pregnancy is just as important—both for your overall health and the health of your unborn baby. By being aware of the potential changes to your oral health, you can take steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy while hopefully avoiding issues like morning sickness-related cavities or gum disease. Be sure to visit Dentists of Whittier during your pregnancy so that any potential issues can be addressed before they become a bigger problem down the road.

Taking care of yourself, both inside and out, during pregnancy may feel like a daunting task, but it’s ultimately worth the effort—and it may even give you something wonderful to smile about when the baby finally arrives!

Contact Dentists of Whittier to schedule an appointment today!