Is dental hygiene different for pregnant women than it is for everyone else?
According to research done by the American Dental Association (ADA), it is. Their research showed that pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting oral diseases like gingivitis. They also warn that the states of your teeth when you are pregnant will be reflected in your children, or in other words, if your teeth are strong and healthy while you are pregnant, you’re children will have stronger healthier teeth when they develop.
It’s a lot to take in, but it’s important information to have for you and your growing family. Your teeth are a reflection of your overall health and no time is more important to be healthy than when you’re pregnant. Your baby’s body and health will be a reflection of your own.
So, how is this information really going to affect you? It shouldn’t actually change much, it should only make you more vigilant in the coming months. You’ll still need to:
See Your Dentist
It’s a good idea to keep up your regular dental screenings and professional cleanings. Seeing the Dentist while pregnant will help you be aware of any changes in your dental health before they get out of hand and can make prevention easier on you and your child, in the future.
Eating Habits
There are things that you will try all of your life to teach your kids, like good eating habits. It’s especially important for expecting mothers to develop these habits.
Eat lots of fruits
Eat vegetables with folic acid like: lettuce, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, beans, peas, asparagus, the list goes on…
Stay away from sugar!
Make sure you’re getting plenty of vitamin A,C and D
Your body will also need a lot of protein, phosphorus and calcium
Remember, everything you eat gets passed on to your baby, these will help him or her grow, and will also keep your teeth strong.
Daily Cleaning
Make sure you brush at least twice a day. It’s best to use a soft bristle toothbrush. Flossing at the end of each day, minimum. Use mouthwash to kill harmful bacteria build up.
Morning Sickness
It’s not a good idea to brush your teeth after being “physically sick”. There will be a lot of acid residue in your mouth that needs to be neutralized, not scraped deeper into your teeth. Water is the best solvent, so rinsing your mouth out with water is a good option. You can also add some baking soda to the water before you rinse, baking soda is a “base” and can help counteract the stomach acid in your mouth.
This is an exciting time for you and your family, visiting the dentist while pregnant can make it a healthy time for you as well. We hope these tips will help you in the coming months, and wish you the best of luck with your growing family.