Smile, You’re Pregnant

With so much happening to your body during pregnancy and all the extra visits to the doctor (and the bathroom), it’s easy to forget about your oral health. Some people may even question if there is any link between a mother’s oral health and her unborn baby, but research has found a link between gum disease, premature birth and low birth weight.

Here are a few of our tips to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.

Make Seeing Your Dentist a Priority

Just like all those other check-ups, it is important you see your dentist while you are pregnant. Your dental health has a big impact on your overall health which influences the health of your baby.

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can exacerbate problems with your teeth and gums, and so you should maintain regular dental checkups and cleans. Your dentist is well-versed in which medications you can safely take while pregnant, and which procedures can be safely done at different stages of pregnancy. It is important you and your partner’s dental health is optimal to reduce passing decay causing bacteria onto your baby. Teeth and Gum Sensitivity

Tell your dentist about any gum problems that you might have. Switch to a softer toothbrush and brush your teeth twice every day. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride (if you're not already doing so) to help strengthen your teeth against decay. If you have gum problems during pregnancy, it is important to get your gums checked by a dentist regularly. While most types of gum problems caused by pregnancy hormones resolve after birth, a small number of women may have developed a deeper level of gum disease that will need treatment to resolve.

Dealing with Morning Sickness

Vomit is highly acidic and may cause irreversible damage to your teeth. Tempting as it is to brush your teeth straight after a bout of morning sickness, it's best to wait an hour or so as brushing too soon can strip away the enamel, which is the protective coating of your teeth, leaving them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. While you're waiting, try rinsing your mouth with water to remove the acids, or chew sugar-free gum.

You should make regular visits to your dentist in the lead-up to, during and after your pregnancy to avoid any hormonal changes influencing your oral health.

Simply call 1300SMILES Dentists on 1300 764 537 or visit our website to make an appointment. Advertorial