Pregnancy and Oral Health: What Expecting Mothers Need to Know
When you’re expecting, your body goes through many changes—and your oral health is no exception! At Meadowbank Family Dental, we want to ensure you have the information you need to maintain a healthy smile throughout your pregnancy journey.
Changes to Expect
Pregnancy hormones can affect your oral health in ways you might not expect. Many expectant mothers experience pregnancy gingivitis, which causes tender and swollen gums that may bleed more easily during brushing. Your risk of tooth decay might also increase due to changes in eating habits and morning sickness. Additionally, some women notice their mouths feeling unusually dry, which can further increase the risk of cavities. The presence of acid reflux during pregnancy can also pose challenges to maintaining good oral health.
Morning Sickness Management
Morning sickness presents a unique challenge to dental health during pregnancy. The increased acid exposure from vomiting can potentially damage your tooth enamel. After experiencing morning sickness, it’s important to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to neutralize the acids. However, avoid brushing immediately afterward—wait about 30 minutes before brushing to prevent damaging the temporarily softened enamel. This waiting period allows your saliva to naturally neutralize the acid and re-harden the enamel surface.
Safe Dental Care During Pregnancy
One of the most common questions we receive from expectant mothers is about the safety of dental procedures during pregnancy. Regular dental check-ups are not only safe but are actually recommended during pregnancy. The second trimester is typically the most comfortable time for dental work, as morning sickness has often subsided and it’s still easy to lie back in the dental chair.
Always inform our team about your pregnancy so we can provide appropriate care and take any necessary precautions.
Here are a few of our top essential tips to remember:
- Brush thoroughly twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to prevent pregnancy gingivitis
- Maintain regular dental check-ups
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Rinse with water after sugary snacks or morning sickness
Ready to Ensure Your Smile Stays Healthy?
Schedule an appointment with us today. Our team will help you maintain optimal oral health throughout your pregnancy. We look forward to seeing you soon!