Tips For Dental Care During Pregnancy
Taking care of your dental health is necessary at all times, but it is even more important if you are expectant. This is because you might suffer some dental problems that might affect your unborn child too. Not only that, but you also have a heightened risk of dental issues during this time. The following measures should help you avoid such complications.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the number one defense to dental complications. This is true for everyone and not just expectant mothers. However, it may even be more important for you during your pregnancy because any dental complication you might experience might affect your baby too. Therefore, don't forget to brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and limit sugary snacks.
Get Routine and Emergency Dental Care
Your gums might be particularly tender during your pregnancy. The hormonal changes in your body during this time increase blood flow to the gums, which makes the gums swollen, tender, and sore. However, this doesn't mean that you should skip routine dental care.
You still need to get your dental exam every six months, or at any frequency that the dentist may advise. Otherwise, the changes in your gums might trigger gum disease if you don't take care of your teeth. You should also get dental treatments for emergencies, such as a cracked tooth.
Avoid Elective Procedures
Even though you should not skip emergency or routine procedures, you should avoid elective procedures during your pregnancy. The risk of complications, though minor, cannot be overruled. You don't want a dental complication to affect your health or the health of the baby, especially if it is something you could have avoided. For routine and emergency procedures, the benefits outweigh the risks. The same cannot be said for elective procedures.
Look For Palatable Toothpaste
Some people feel nauseous when they use their usual toothpaste during pregnancy. If that happens to you, you might be tempted to forgo brushing or brushing with toothpaste during pregnancy. A better alternative, however, is to switch toothpaste; you may be able to get a bland toothpaste that doesn't make you nauseous.
Rinse Mouth After Throwing Up
If you have morning sickness that involves throwing up, then the acidic contents of your stomach might erode your enamel. The effects of enamel erosion include things like hypersensitivity and increased risk of decay. Ensure you rinse your mouth every time you throw up to get rid of any acidic remnants in your mouth.
Talk to your dentist for more help.
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