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5 Tips for Pregnancy Dental

Michael Wahl • Aug 01, 2017

Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience, bringing the joy and anticipation of a new little one to your family. Expectant mothers experience a variety of health changes related to pregnancy, and your dental health is no different. Additionally, your dental health can affect your overall health and well-being, so it’s an important consideration for your sake and for the health of your growing baby. At West One Dental, we want you to be as informed as possible about changes and considerations for your dental health during pregnancy.

Here are five helpful tips to keep your dental health in top shape:

  1. Keep on top of morning sickness.
    Morning sickness, an unpleasant part of pregnancy, means you might be more sensitive than usual to smell and taste, and you may also experience nausea and vomiting. Stomach acid can be hard on your enamel, so try to eat small, frequent meals to avoid vomiting if possible. If you do, make sure you rinse with water. Brush gently to avoid further damage to the acid-weakened enamel, or wait 30 min.
  2. Keep your regular dental check-up.
    Keeping your dental checkup is particularly important during pregnancy. Your body is changing in many ways, and some women experience  pregnancy gingivitis , a condition where hormonal changes lead to an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. While there may be some procedures to avoid during pregnancy, many procedures, like cleanings and x-rays, are safe with appropriate precautions. Your dentist will be able to guide you on good options for treatment and mitigation of your situation.
  3. Keep the sugary snacks to a minimum.
    Pregnancy is notorious for bringing all kinds of interesting snack cravings. Additionally, you might eat more frequently to keep your metabolism stable as your body diverts nutrients to your growing fetus. As you snack, try to choose healthy, low-sugar snacks to avoid extra wear on your dental health. Gotta have that pint of ice cream? It’s ok. Keep a tall glass of water beside it, to follow the sugary snack and help rinse down your teeth afterward.
  4. Keep your prenatal vitamins handy.
    You’re probably taking a pre-natal vitamin, to help your body provide sufficient nutrients for both you and your growing baby. Did you know you’re also forming the basis for your baby’s dental health, even though the little one has no teeth yet? Particularly vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorous are important for your baby’s future dental development.
  5. Keep unnecessary procedures till after the baby.
    Staying on top of up with cavities, cleanings, and the like is a good idea. Dental infections, like other systemic infections, can increase the risk of premature birth, or even low birth weight, according to the American College of Nurse-Midwives.  However, keep cosmetic or unnecessary procedures off the table for the time being, particularly, teeth whitening. Adding unnecessary chemicals to your body can affect your pregnancy, and overall may be more uncomfortable.

Are you pregnant and looking for a great office to see for pregnancy dental work? We are here for you in all stages of life. At West One Family Dental, we want to help guide you through this period with your dental health outstanding. Schedule your appointment today and check in with our staff to let us know how we can best serve you during this time! Congratulations from all of us on your upcoming family change.

6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth

By Michael Wahl • 01 Sep, 2020
Your teeth are not a tool. Ok, you might argue that your teeth ARE a tool for helping break down your food, clearly articulate words, and supporting your facial bone structure. And, you’d be right on those counts. What we mean here is a more basic idea of tool- an inanimate item which helps you… Continue Reading 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth The post 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative?

By Michael Wahl • 25 Aug, 2020
If you listen to an oral care specialist for a hot minute, you’re likely to hear all about fluoride. Fluoride is the go-to preventative tool recommended by Amercian Dental Association. And with good reason! The introduction of fluoride has revolutionized oral health. However, it does have some downsides. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis,… Continue Reading Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? The post Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Are you Brushing Too Hard?

By Michael Wahl • 18 Aug, 2020
When you think of all the negative impacts of poor oral health, it can be easy to get aggressive with your brushing. Plaque build-up become tartar and can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increases your risk of other more serious health problems. Plaque & tartar cause bad breath, dental… Continue Reading Are you Brushing Too Hard? The post Are you Brushing Too Hard? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another

By Michael Wahl • 11 Aug, 2020
While you may not think about it, oral health and mental health are surprisingly interlinked. Negative oral health can have an impact on your mental health, just like poor mental heath has a negative effect on oral health. Let’s look closer at this interconnected relationship and consider some takeaways. Poor Oral Health’s Impact on Mental… Continue Reading Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another The post Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

By Michael Wahl • 28 Jul, 2020
It’s late, after a long day. You’re probably ready to flop into bed and pass out. Sometimes after a long day of work, meticulous dental hygiene is at the bottom of your list. And we get it! Maybe you’ve often made the choice to skip mouthwash in favor of a quicker routine. But there are… Continue Reading Benefits of Using Mouthwash The post Benefits of Using Mouthwash appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue?

By Michael Wahl • 21 Jul, 2020
Do you find yourself popping breath mints or gum in your mouth constantly? If you struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve covered common bad breath cures here. Start with these common solutions, but if you’re still plagued by bad breath, it’s time to… Continue Reading Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? The post Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay?

By Michael Wahl • 14 Jul, 2020
Tooth decay is a rampant issue among Americans. More than half of adolescents have at least one cavity. Cavities are the most common chronic disease for children 6-19. 9 out of 10 adults have tooth decay. Most of the attention to this issue focuses on diet as the main culprit. While diet is important, new… Continue Reading Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? The post Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site

By Michael Wahl • 07 Jul, 2020
So, you’ve had a tooth extracted. There are many reasons why this may have been the right choice, as you can read about in our blog from last week. You can have a huge impact on how well your mouth heals and your pain levels by caring for your tooth extraction site. While not every… Continue Reading Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site The post Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site appeared first on West One Family Dental.

What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1

By Michael Wahl • 01 Jul, 2020
Teeth are an incredible asset. While we may be biased as dental professionals, take a minute to consider the usefulness of having your teeth! (Or, check out our blog here about the hazards of going without teeth!) However, there are times when the best decision for your health is to extract a tooth. Let’s take… Continue Reading What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 The post What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean

By Michael Wahl • 23 Jun, 2020
In many of our discussions of oral health we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing all sides of your teeth. But what if you begin to notice that your tongue is looking different? Did you know that brushing your teeth should include a semi-regular brushing of your tongue as well? Your tongue can become… Continue Reading Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean The post Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean appeared first on West One Family Dental.
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