If you have a little one on the way, congratulations! During this exciting time, you probably already know that it’s of upmost importance to take care of yourself for the good of your baby’s development. While you’re probably doing everything you can to eat well and exercise, are you taking care of your oral health? Making sure your teeth and gums are healthy throughout your pregnancy is an important part of caring for your infant while they’re in the womb. Read on to find out how and why your oral health during pregnancy matters!
Why Your Oral Health Matters During Pregnancy
Maintaining great oral health is important during every stage of life, but it is especially so when you’re pregnant. Your mouth is naturally full of both good and bad bacteria, which is typically kept in check with regular oral hygiene. If extra bacteria accumulate in an expecting mother’s mouth, it can potentially get into the bloodstream and travel to the uterus. In turn, this can trigger the production of chemicals called prostaglandins that can potentially induce premature labor. Fortunately, keeping your smile clean and healthy during pregnancy isn’t a difficult task!
Tips for a Healthy Smile While You’re Expecting
Now is a great time to evaluate your daily oral hygiene routine and ensure it’s doing the most it can to keep you and your baby healthy. Here are a few easy and practical tips to remember that can make a huge difference:
- Always brush your teeth when you wake up and when you go to bed, no matter how tired you are
- If you are dealing with morning sickness, do your best to rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash afterwards
- Instead of sugary treats or carb-heavy snacks, opt for foods that are rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli
- Try to choose prenatal vitamins that aren’t chewy or gummy, which stick to your teeth and can cause tooth decay
- Floss every day to help clean out the bacteria hiding between your teeth
Don’t Postpone Your Dental Checkups During Pregnancy!
Experts recommend seeing your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings, even if you’re pregnant. These quick and easy visits are a great way to make sure that no oral health issues are developing and that your smile is healthy. Additionally, your dentist will be able to spot any signs of pregnancy gingivitis, which is a type of gum disease that is particularly common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes. Keeping pregnancy gingivitis at bay is essential for protecting your baby from oral bacteria. Your dentist can also give you personalized tips and tricks for keeping your smile (and your baby) healthy at home!
About the Practice
At Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re proud to serve expecting mothers and their infants in At Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re proud to serve expecting mothers and their infants in Pelham and the surrounding communities. Dr. Amin Bakr provides gentle, caring dentistry for infants, which is tailored to the unique oral healthcare needs of babies. Dr. Amin and his team are also passionate about working alongside parents to ensure they have all the information they need to keep those precious growing smiles healthy at home. If you’re interested in discovering if our practice is a good fit for your little one, or if you’d like to learn more about oral health during pregnancy, we can be contacted online or at (603) 635-1166.