How to Care for Your Oral Health During Pregnancy

It is important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy 

Pregnancy hurls a completely new chapter in a woman’s life. While it presents numerous challenges in the form of back pains, sleepless nights, etc. the entire experience can be an extremely rewarding one. Expecting mothers often suffer from calcium deficiencies which can increase the chances of oral problems. This is why it becomes imperative to take special care of your dental health during pregnancy and today we are going to show you how:

•  Brushing twice becomes a must during pregnancy as your body’s immunity level remains low and your teeth become more vulnerable to plaque buildup. The normal barrier of tooth protection also gets altered by various hormonal changes occurring in your body. This is why you need to brush two times a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush that doesn’t irritate your gums. Getting a kid’s toothbrush can help expecting moms suffering from morning sickness.
• Using bland toothpaste is preferable as morning sickness induces taste sensitivity in pregnant women. You can ask your doctor for toothpaste recommendations during this period. It is also important to wait sometime before brushing if you are suffering from morning sickness. Vomiting is infamous for making our mouth acidic and brushing immediately can cause our teeth enamel to wear off faster. If you want to wash your mouth immediately after vomiting, then stick to a solution of water and baking soda. This can help get rid of the pungent aftertaste of vomit without damaging your enamel. Women who are wary of using baking soda can use mouthwash.
• Just like your teeth, you also need to be cautious about the health of your gums during pregnancy. Flossing at least once a day is advisable especially if you have a history of inflammation and gum disease. You can remove plaque and prevent periodontal disease by flossing.
•  Consuming sugary foods adds impetus to the buildup of plaque and thus needs to be avoided during pregnancy. Over time it can cause cavity buildup and tamper with your gum health. Pregnancy is synonymous with gum sensitivity and you can ensure dental health by staying away from sugary snacks during these nine months.
• Both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers require around 1200mg of calcium daily. This can keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy. You can ensure a steady supply of calcium into your system by consuming broccoli, beans, spinach, and dairy products.
• Missing teeth can cause greater problems in the long run like plaque buildup and advanced periodontal disease. This is why it is advisable to get them replaced with dental implants by booking an appointment with Dr. Bryan Shanahan. These implants can prevent your teeth from drifting apart by filling in the space. They resemble real teeth and can bring back your long-lost confidence as your smile flashes those pearlies.

Final Words

While dental visits are considered safe during pregnancy, it is always advisable to inform the dental office which month you are in before making an appointment. Often the dentists recommend postponement of treatment if you have some underlying medical condition or a high-risk pregnancy.