Taking Care Of Your Teeth During Pregnancy

If you are currently pregnant, you may wonder what your options are in tooth care before you deliver. Taking care of your teeth is just as important during your pregnancy as it is at other times in your life. Here are some steps to take during pregnancy to help you keep your teeth in the best possible shape while ensuring your unborn baby is safe during the wait of their birth. 

Don't Skip Routine Cleanings

It is extremely important to keep your teeth cleaning appointments while you are pregnant. Failing to have a dentist (such as one from Staller & Gandel D.D.S) check over your teeth can lead you to unnecessary pain or tooth restorative problems due to inadequate oral care. When you go to your appointment, make sure to tell your dental hygienist that you are currently pregnant. They will most likely hold off on doing yearly x-rays until after your baby is born.

Be Aware Of Gum Changes

When you are pregnant, your hormones may cause your gums to bleed more than they do when you are not pregnant. This is nothing to be alarmed about as it is a normal occurrence. Make sure to take care of your gums and teeth as you normally would by flossing and brushing at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if you find your gums bleed as soon as you start your oral care routine. This may help keep the bleeding at a minimal level.

Alert The Dentist Of Any Pain

If you find your teeth or gums are giving you pain, make an appointment to have them checked. You might not be able to do any surgical processes until after your baby is born, however. Your dentist may have a solution to help by placing a temporary filling over a troublesome spot. If this helps, you would need to do the procedure without the use of anesthesia or numbing medications. Have an evaluation done to find out the severity of the problem and to come up with a plan with your dentist for after the baby is born, if possible.

Handle Morning Sickness Problems

If you suffer from morning sickness, and you vomit regularly during this time, your stomach acid will affect your teeth if they are not cared for properly. Make sure to brush your teeth after you vomit to remove the acid from the mouth. If toothpaste itself makes you feel ill, as it often does to pregnant women, consider switching to a cinnamon-flavored paste instead of mint. At the very least, rinse your mouth with water after vomiting from morning sickness.

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