Dental Care Tips for During a Pregnancy

Dental care while pregnant takes some extra effort.  You should abide by your regular schedule for dental visits regardless of whether you are one month pregnant or seven months into the process.  Just be sure to let the office know your month when you schedule your appointment.  If you have a medical condition or if your pregnancy is high-risk, there is a chance the dentist will recommend delaying the appointment.

In the end, the benefits of visiting the dentist when pregnant almost always outweigh the risks.  Let's take a look at some tips for caring for your teeth while carrying a baby.

Dental Care While Pregnant: Stay the Course

You might notice a substantive difference in your oral health in your first trimester of pregnancy.  This is not an excuse to slack off on your oral health care regimen.  Continue flossing, rinsing and brushing just like you normally would.

Your gums might swell, leading to additional oral health issues like gingivitis and/or gum disease.  This can occur in any trimester during your pregnancy.  Furthermore, the higher level of hormones in pregnancy causes dry mouth, especially when sleeping at night.

The mouth cannot create saliva while you sleep, regardless of whether you are pregnant or not.  Though rare, it is possible for pregnant women to endure a granuloma, also referred to as a gum tissue growth.  This growth is typically purple in color.  In rare cases, teeth can loosen due to hormones that relax ligaments in the body during pregnancy.  Your dentist can help you address these symptoms.

What to do About Morning Sickness

The best solution for morning sickness is to rinse out your mouth right away.  If you feel as though your toothpaste leads to nausea, try a new toothpaste or give a mild flavor a chance.

Perform a Thorough Clean Every Single Day

Remember that you are cleaning your teeth for two each morning and night.  Brush all of your front and back teeth thoroughly while pregnant.  Go out of your way to brush your gum line as well.  This will help ward off pregnancy gingivitis.  It will also help prevent the onset of dental caries to boot.

Floss thoroughly after breakfast and dinner.  If possible, floss after lunch as well.  Rinse with an antibacterial and anticavity mouthwash containing fluoride.

Why Pregnant Women Should be Particularly Cognizant of Tooth and Gum Health

Tooth and gum cleanings are especially important during pregnancy.  Your teeth and gums should be in tip-top shape to ensure they are not causing other biological problems that threaten the well-being of your baby.  Do not lose sight of the fact that oral health is closely tied to overall biological health.

Take care of your teeth while pregnant and there is that much better of a chance your newborn will be perfectly healthy.  If you have any questions about dental care while pregnant, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist for assistance.

If you have any questions about dental care while pregnant, do not hesitate to reach out to Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Chicago.