A pregnant woman doesn’t just need to worry about her baby she also needs to worry about her teeth. That’s because during pregnancy women are at a risk of oral health problems. These problems can also have an effect on your baby’s development. That’s why in order to keep your baby safe you should start by keeping your teeth safe. Not only will you clear pregnancy without losing a single tooth, but your baby will also be healthy and strong. Here are 5 oral health tips for pregnant women.
Brush Twice a Day
I’m afraid there’s no getting around this rule, especially during pregnancy. Brushing twice a day prevents plaque and bacteria from accumulating on your teeth. The plaque can lead to tartar which ultimately leads to gum disease and bacteria can lead to cavities. Brushing before bedtime is very important, because your mouth lays dormant for close to eight hours while you sleep. This is the time when the bacteria in your mouth are most active. Unattended food particles stuck between your teeth becomes the ammunition they need to cause cavities in your mouth.
Floss Once a Day
Brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your teeth healthy. You also need to floss for extra protection. Flossing removes the food particles that get stuck between your teeth. If they’re left unattended they can cause cavities in your mouth. Just flossing your teeth once a day will prevent this from happening. You also need to be careful while flossing. Otherwise you’ll end up hurting your gums. Floss carefully and gently after you’ve finished brushing your teeth. There’s no need to floss more than once a day, because otherwise there’s a chance that your teeth might start developing gaps between them.
Eat Healthy
A nutritious diet is important during pregnancy, not just for the baby but also for your teeth. Calcium deficiency can cause your baby to fall prey to early tooth decay. Consume a calcium rich diet such as milk and cheese and your baby’s teeth will be fine along with yours. Avoid eating too many sweets. If your sweet tooth craves nonetheless, then you can have fruits. Fruits are easily consumed in liquid form. Therefore, if you’re tired of eating fruits then you should drink fruit juice instead. There’s not a lot of variety there, but at least you won’t get bored for 9 months.
Rinse Your Mouth after Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is quite common during pregnancy. Not only does it leave a bad after taste in your mouth, it also erodes your tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth well after vomiting to protect your teeth from harmful bacteria. If you want to brush your teeth afterwards, then you should wait for half an hour. Brushing your teeth right after vomiting can erode your soft tooth enamel. Acid reflux is also a contributing factor to tooth erosion. Sleeping on your left side and keeping your head slightly elevated can prevent it. Chewing gum also helps reduce acid reflux.
Prevent Gum Disease
A pregnant woman is susceptible to gum disease due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. If it becomes severe then there are chances of it having a negative effect on the baby’s development. It can cause premature birth or the baby could be born slightly underweight. Visit a dentist immediately if you see any sign of gum disease, such as bleeding or swollen gums. It can also cause you to lose your teeth. So it’s either a traditional dentist or a cosmetic dentist. Gum disease is easily curable, so there’s no need to worry if you’re suffering from it.
Now that you know how important oral care is during pregnancy, for you and for your baby, we hope you take it more seriously. Following the simple tips mentioned here you can prevent any drastic oral health problems during your pregnancy. We know how important having a baby is to you and it’ll be good not lose any teeth during the process either. Soon you’ll be a mother and you’ll be charged with the daunting task of instilling the same oral health qualities in your child. We hope you’re just as successful in your endeavor as we were in ours.
Today’s guest author, Karen Fernandes, is a fitness enthusiast who often writes on topics related to health and wellness online. She enjoys dancing and working out in her free time.