Are you currently expecting? Congratulations! Naturally, you want to take the best possible care of yourself to nourish your little one in the womb. While that starts with exercising each day and filling up on nutrient-dense foods, it extends to prioritizing your dental care as well. For an inside look at why oral health during pregnancy matters, keep reading.
Why Your Oral Health During Pregnancy Matters
While your oral health always matters, it’s especially important during pregnancy. That’s because excessive bacteria growth in an expecting mother’s mouth can quickly travel to the uterus via her bloodstream. This can trigger the production of chemicals (called prostaglandins) that can induce premature labor. Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance that you do your best to keep your smile decay and infection-free!
How To: Prevent Decay and Infection While Expecting
The good news is that oral health problems are largely preventable with a solid preventive care regimen in place. With this in mind, keep reading for a few pregnancy-specific dental care tips:
- Always brush your teeth before going to sleep, no matter how exhausted you are
- If you struggle with morning sickness, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water afterward
- Opt for vitamin-rich snacks that are lower in added sugar
- Don’t use chewy or gummy prenatal vitamins that can stick to your teeth
- Floss daily to help prevent gum disease
- Avoid unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on ice
The Importance of Your Biannual Checkups and Cleanings
During your pregnancy, it’s important to prioritize your biannual visits to your dentist. There are a few reasons for this, but one of the most important ones is that the hormonal changes in your body can result in pregnancy gingivitis. This unpleasant condition can wreak havoc on your oral health if it isn’t detected and treated in the early stages. The good news is that your dentist can keep an eye out for warning signs, like inflamed and irritated gums, during your dental checkup. Plus, they can give you tips on how to keep your smile in pristine condition. That way, you can feel confident in your ability to keep your teeth and gums free of decay and infection throughout your pregnancy!
About the Practice
With a board-certified pediatric dentist and two highly trained orthodontists at Simply Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team is here to help growing smiles thrive! From your infant’s first checkup to their last cleaning before they head off for college, we are proud to provide world-class, meticulous, and comfortable dentistry and orthodontics. If you have a question about infant oral care or you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (781) 767-7200.