Oral and dental health are extremely important both for your health and for your physical appearance. In general, it is important to pay attention to your dental health at every stage of your life. However, if you are pregnant, you need to be even more careful than usual.
Because during pregnancy your body undergoes a host of physical changes. Increases in hormonal levels can lead to some deterioration in oral and dental health. Some of these causes can result in gum swelling and bleeding.
All these factors can have dangerous consequences not only for the expectant mother but also for the baby. So, what should you pay attention to in order to avoid these effects? What should be done for dental health during pregnancy? If you are looking for answers to these questions, you are in the right place.
In this comprehensive content, we will discuss what you need to do to protect your dental health during pregnancy.
What Should Be Done for Dental Care and Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy?
Maintaining good oral hygiene becomes even more critical during pregnancy than at any other time. Expectant mothers should prioritize their oral health to prevent dental issues that could affect the growing baby’s health day by day.
Dental care during pregnancy involves much more than just regular brushing and flossing. So, what are those additional steps?
Here are some key tips to help preserve oral health for pregnant women!
1. Be Careful When Choosing a Toothbrush
Gum bleeding is a common issue you may encounter during pregnancy. To help prevent this problem, pay attention to your toothbrush selection.
If you choose a hard-bristled brush, you may aggravate already sensitive gums and cause damage. By selecting a soft-bristled toothbrush, you can keep the risk of bleeding to a minimum.
2. Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks are harmful for everyone, but they pose double risk when you consider the baby growing inside you!
Their high sugar content can erode tooth enamel and over time lead to increased tooth sensitivity. Instead of fizzy drinks, opt for products that support calcium intake.
3. Choose a Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Using a fluoride toothpaste can greatly contribute to protecting your teeth during pregnancy.
For more details on this topic, don’t forget to check out our article “Should Toothpaste Be Fluoride or Fluoride-Free?”
4. Be Mindful of What You Eat
Eating healthily and in a balanced way throughout pregnancy is crucial not only for your general health but also for your dental health. Including nutritious foods—like raw fruits, cheese, and organic vegetables—in your meals can help reduce the risk of dental problems.
To fully meet your nutritional needs, you may develop a diet plan. You can consult your doctor or a nutrition specialist for this.
5. Keep Yourself Hydrated
It is well known that water is essential for the human body. When your body lacks fluids, it does not produce enough saliva. This means acids in the mouth are not neutralized and food particles are not washed away.
Food debris and acids accumulated in the mouth can lead to a range of health issues, including dental abscesses. To reduce the risk of cavities and maintain natural saliva flow, ensure you drink enough water throughout the day. This also benefits your digestion and overall health.
6. Limit Your Sugar Intake
While indulging in sweets during pregnancy may seem tempting, it is very important to keep sugar consumption under control.
High consumption of sugary foods leads to plaque formation, which can cause cavities and even tooth loss. To minimize risk, limit snacks and beverages containing sugar, and choose alternatives like fresh fruit or nuts.
7. Don’t Neglect Rinsing After Nausea
Morning sickness is very common during pregnancy. While many expectant mothers manage it, some experience frequent vomiting episodes.
During vomiting, harmful acids and bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and harm your teeth. To prevent this, rinse your mouth thoroughly with plenty of water. If needed, use a mouthwash and make this a habit.
8. Visit the Dentist
Almost all dentists will carefully consider procedures for pregnant patients. If a procedure is not critical for health or postponing it will not open the door to serious issues, it is delayed whenever possible.
Therefore, don’t hesitate to visit our clinics to get information about your current condition and to discuss possible treatment options at length. Our specialist dentists will assist you in every matter and provide the most accurate guidance.
