How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy When You're Pregnant
When you're pregnant, your body isn't just supporting your life anymore—it's helping your baby grow strong and stay healthy too. As such, it's no surprise pregnancy can take a toll on your bodily health. In particular, one health issue to watch out for is dental problems. From hormonal changes to morning sickness, there are many aspects of pregnancy that can affect your teeth.
Also, it's important to note that dental health and pregnancy work in a cycle. Pregnancy can affect your teeth, but poor dental health can also affect your pregnancy. Gum disease, for example, has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight and health conditions like asthma and vision impairment.
That's why it's so important to take extra care of your teeth when you're expecting. Here are some helpful dental tips to follow.
Change How You Brush to Reduce Retching
If you're like many women, you may find that your gag reflex is far more sensitive than it used to be. In fact, it can be so sensitive that even brushing your teeth can make you retch, particularly when brushing your molars. This can put you off brushing your teeth completely, but it's crucial that you stick to your regular brushing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
If you're struggling to brush your teeth without feeling like you're going to throw up, try changing your toothbrush, toothpaste and brushing method.
Many women find that a toddler-sized toothbrush with a small head reduces retching. If your toothpaste has a strong flavour, switching to a blander one could also help. Finally, remember to use long, slow strokes rather than fast, aggressive ones.
Don't Brush After Morning Sickness
For the vast majority of women, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting are an inevitable part of pregnancy. When you throw up, the strong acids from your stomach come into contact with your teeth. This can damage your enamel, putting you at a greater risk of decay.
The harmful effects of stomach acids on teeth combined with the unpleasantness of vomiting makes many women think they should brush their teeth straight after a morning sickness episode. However, brushing your teeth immediately only spreads the acids around more, scratching them into your tooth surface.
Instead, it's better to rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water, then gargle with diluted mouthwash. If mouthwash makes you gag, you can also put a dab of toothpaste on your finger, gently rub it around your teeth and then rinse again with water.
Resist Cravings for Sweet Treats
Food cravings during pregnancy may seem like a harmless nuisance, but it's important to remember that cravings for unhealthy foods will have an effect on your health. Cravings for sugary foods like soda and lollies, for example, can put you at an increased risk of cavities.
However, since pregnancy cravings are caused by hormones, food cravings are sometimes impossible to avoid. Just remember that if you do have to give in, you should keep your portions as small as possible. Pick up small, individually wrapped treats rather than grabbing a whole bag to gorge on.
Above all else, remember that seeing your dentist regularly during pregnancy is just as important as it is at any other time—if not more important. Don't believe the old wives' tales about seeing a dentist being bad for the baby. While many non-essential dental treatments should be avoided during the first and third trimesters, check-ups, cleanings, and second trimester treatments are all completely safe for you and your little one.
For experienced, effective care from dentists who have experience treating pregnant women, book an appointment with Runcorn Dental.
