Dental Care During Pregnancy

Dental care becomes more important than ever during pregnancy, because pregnancy triggers severalhormonal changes in a woman’s body which can cause oral health problems.

Bleeding, swollen gums and gingivitis are some oral health conditions that plague pregnant women.

Here are some oral care tips that you should follow during pregnancy:

• You should increase the consumption of foods enriched with calcium. Your body needs more calcium in this period, as calcium is required for the development of the baby, as well as for your bones and your teeth.
•  Don’t brush your teeth immediately after leaving your bed if you are experiencing morning sickness. Wait until it passes and then brush your teeth. If you brush your teeth right away, the stomach acids may eat away at your teeth enamel. If you are feeling uncomfortable, then you can rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
• Acid damage is common during pregnancy, which erodes your teeth. Sweets and starchy snacks only add to acidic conditions. By reducing their consumption, you can reduce the likelihood of such damage.
• Brush your teeth after every meal. Ask your dentist which toothpaste you should use. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and recommend the best toothpaste for you.
• Floss your teeth before going to bed. Use nylon floss or dental tape. If you have never done it before, you may experience bleeding for the first few times. Don’t feel scared at seeing the blood. It is normal and more common during pregnancy. If bleeding persists after a couple of weeks, see your dentist to check for gum disease.
• In pregnancy, dry mouth is very common, which can lead to various infections and tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum during pregnancy will keep you hydrated and increase the production of salvia, which will protect you from those infections and tooth decay.

In addition to following these above mentioned suggestions, don’t forget to visit your dentist.Visiting your dentist as soon as you conceive would be a great idea, because your dentist will examine your oral health and recommend the tips and practices to ensure good oral health during and after the pregnancy.