Six Dental Care Tips for Pregnant Women
Oral health care during your pregnancy is vitally important because many women have changes that occur in the mouth during this time. While a woman is pregnant, her hormone levels can change, leading to problems with excess saliva or a dry mouth. Both of these issues can affect the tender gums of the mouth or the teeth that are located in the gums. In addition, some women have extreme nausea that changes the acids in the mouth, and other women will vomit frequently during pregnancy, causing damage to the dental enamel on the teeth.
Schedule a Dental Checkup while Planning a Pregnancy
If a woman is planning a pregnancy, then it is a good idea to visit your local Brooklyn dentist for a checkup beforehand. A dentist will examine a woman’s mouth along with collecting X-rays to find any problems that require a repair. It is better to have the dental cavities fixed and the teeth cleaned professionally before becoming pregnant. When a woman has a major oral health issue that includes having gingivitis or an infected tooth, a dentist can treat these conditions with surgery or medications without worrying about the pregnancy. Here are some of the best oral health tips recommended for pregnant women.
Key Points from the American Dental Association:
Preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy.
Local anesthetics with epinephrine (e.g., bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine) may be used during pregnancy.
Special considerations should be given to pregnant dental personnel whose job duties can involve direct exposure to nitrous oxide and radiation.
Tip 1: Using Toothpaste That Contains Fluoride
There are no safety concerns about the use of fluoridated toothpaste during pregnancy, and this substance can increase the strength of the enamel on your teeth to prevent decay. You should brush at least twice a day to remove food debris, but it is okay to brush more often than this.
Tip 2: Flossing At Least Once a Day
If a pregnant woman want to have fresh breath and healthy gums, then using floss at least once a day is essential. Drugstores have dental floss that is in small containers, but it is also possible to find flossing picks that are easy to take with you to work or to restaurants. Flossing can also prevent cavities and gum disease so that a woman won’t need to visit a dentist during her pregnancy.
Tip 3: Drinking a Lot of Water Each Day
A woman who is pregnant will need a lot of water to remain hydrated. In addition to needing additional water for proper blood circulation, some women become dehydrated from the vomiting that occurs from morning sickness. By drinking water throughout the day, you can avoid having a dry mouth that makes it easier for bacteria to thrive.
Tip 4: Using an Oral Irrigator
By using an oral irrigator, you can remove additional food debris and plaque from your mouth. An oral irrigator blasts a strong stream of water to eliminate the bacteria from your gums and your teeth.
Tip 5: Consuming a Nutritious Diet Each Day
During pregnancy, women should consume a nutritious diet that includes foods that will keep the soft oral tissues and teeth healthy. These foods include low-fat dairy products, whole grains, lean meats, fruits and vegetables. Some pregnant women prefer eating more than three meals a day to avoid having indigestion. These smaller meals are necessary to protect a woman’s oral health while also ensuring that an infant is receiving enough nutrients.
Tip 6: Professional Dental Health Care
Despite the best planning, it is possible that you will need to visit a dentist while you are pregnant. First, make sure to inform the dental office about your pregnancy so that they are prepared to offer the proper care. Today, there are fewer safety concerns about using dental treatments or special medications throughout a pregnancy.