Pregnancy and Teeth: How to Take Care of Your Teeth While Pregnant

Pregnancy And Oral Health Care

This is going to be a very busy time for you but does not neglect your oral health care. During your first trimester, the earlier the better, make an appointment to see the dentist. Get a cleaning, and speak to the dental hygienist and the dentist about any concerns that you have.

Continue to brush and floss as usual, ask the dentist about using fluoride toothpaste during your pregnancy. Have all tooth decay (caries, cavities) issues addressed with fillings, early on in your pregnancy so you can focus on your maternity health.

You and your dentist can come up with an oral health care plan for the next 9 months to ensure you get through your pregnancy with a happy, healthy smile.

First a Myth: The Baby Takes Calcium From your Teeth

The baby does take calcium from your body, but it comes from your bones, not your teeth, or your tooth enamel, and there is plenty to go around. You should not expect any bone loss due to pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is the increase in hormones that affect your teeth and gums, just like they affect every other area of your body. Again, good oral care can help to offset any of the threats.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

One of the most common oral health problems during pregnancy is something called pregnancy gingivitis. The surge in hormones can affect the way your gums react to plaque and tartar. Gum tissue can become inflamed, red, you can suffer from bleeding gums when you brush your teeth and all the symptoms of gum disease, but there are ways to offset the problem.

Most women will suffer from some sort of gum inflammation when they are pregnant.  At Friendly Dentistry we provide the treatments that help to keep the condition under control. Swollen gums can be painful and an invitation to bacteria. Food particles can get stuck in the pockets that form. Left untreated the condition can progress to periodontitis. With regular check-ups, you can have healthy gums while you are pregnant.

Good Oral Hygiene While Pregnant

The environment in your mouth will change while you are pregnant so you really want to pay attention to your oral hygiene. Flossing regularly and getting in between the teeth can dislodge food and keep bacteria from growing. Stay away from sugary foods and drink that cause tooth decay.

Brushing and flossing, a regular professional cleaning, a tooth-healthy diet and keeping your regular dental appointments can help you to enjoy good oral health throughout your pregnancy. Your dentist and the hygienist at Friendly Dentistry are there to partner with you during your pregnancy.

Limit tobacco use while pregnant to ZERO tobacco use. Low birth weight has been associated with tobacco use and gum disease. Just do not smoke while pregnant or use any products with nicotine to avoid potential problems.

What Dental Treatment Can I Have While Pregnant?

One of the questions we often hear at Friendly Dentistry is regarding what dental care is “safe” during pregnancy. Healthy gums, a healthy mouth help to improve your general health which of course is good for the baby.

Dental caries (cavities) can be painful and cause mom stress which is not good for the baby. Additionally, any dental infection needs to be dealt with to ensure the baby’s safety.  Typically we will ask you to speak to your obstetrician to get the go-ahead for any dental treatment just to ensure your safety.

Last trimester dental work can wait unless you are in pain than we will address the problem and work with your obstetrician to ensure the dental procedure is without risk to you or your baby.

Enjoy Good Oral Health

A healthy pregnancy and teeth can be managed effortlessly with the support of Friendly Dentistry. See your dentist early on in your pregnancy and learn more about dental hygiene steps while you are pregnant from toothbrushing to dealing with receding gums. Make your appointment today and get your pregnancy oral health off to the right start.