During this exciting time, it is so important to take extra care of your health—including your oral health! While oral health issues such as tooth decay and gingivitis are much more likely to crop up during your pregnancy, there are a number of things you can do to keep them in check. Simply follow these four steps to boost your oral health throughout your pregnancy.
1. Keep hydrated.
You might notice that your mouth is a bit drier than usual lately. Dry mouth is actually quite common among pregnant women, and it can unfortunately lead to a number of issues like halitosis (unpleasant breath) and tooth decay. Drinking lots of water can help to combat the effects of dry mouth. You can also chew sugarless gum with the ingredient called xylitol. This will not only facilitate saliva production, but it can also reduce harmful bacteria that causes dental decay.
2. Reboot your dental hygiene routine.
One common oral health issue that pregnant women often encounter is called “pregnancy gingivitis.” Around the second month of your pregnancy, you might notice that your gums bleed after brushing or flossing, and perhaps they may appear red and inflamed. This condition may continue to worsen until the end of your pregnancy, but it typically goes away after you give birth. It is important to keep pregnancy gingivitis in check, though, as this illness can cause complications with pregnancy if left unchecked. Luckily, a solid dental hygiene routine can often be enough to keep these symptoms at bay. You should brush your teeth at least twice per day, though brushing after meals is also recommended. It is also recommended that you floss at least once per day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria that could be irritating your gums. By maintaining a good oral healthcare routine, you can protect your gums and ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy!
3. Protect your teeth after morning sickness.
Due to morning sickness, may women experience an increase in tooth decay as a result of the stomach acids that corrode the dental enamel. While your instinct may be to brush your teeth immediately, this is not recommended as it can further damage your teeth. Instead, try rinsing with a water and baking soda mixture first. This will reduce the acidity level of your mouth, allowing you to then brush your teeth safely.
4. Make regular visits to your dentist.
It is important, now more than ever, to make your appointment for a routine check-up and cleaning at the dentist. Your dentist will examine your gums and teeth to ensure you’re in good oral health. You will also receive a professional cleaning, which helps to prevent pregnancy gingivitis and tooth decay. Simply inform your dentist of your pregnancy during your appointment, and they will give you helpful tips to keep your mouth in good health throughout this exciting process!
To schedule your next check-up with the dentist, call Oradent Associates in Chicago today!