5 Tips for Pregnancy Dental
Michael Wahl • August 1, 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:
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
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