7 Tips for Oral Health During Pregnancy

We add articles like this so that the advice given to pregnant women will be remembered. The Mother-Offspring studies by Bashash and others indicate that pregnant women living in communities that fluoridate the drinking water should be cautious in their use and ingestion of fluoride. These studies indicate that the fetus is the most vulnerable to fluoride’s toxicity. Few people know that no health risk assessments on fluoride were ever performed for the human fetus or pregnant woman. (EC)

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With these tips you can ensure you maintain good dental habits throughout your pregnancy.

Expecting moms go to great lengths to stay healthy— for themselves and their babies. But oral health can be easily overlooked and lead to complications for mother and child.

Many of your body systems change during pregnancy and these changes can affect your gums and teeth. Similarly, changes in your oral health, especially gum health, may affect your pregnancy. Here are a few tips to help with oral health during pregnancy and beyond.

Professional Dental Care

Inform your dentist and dental hygienist when you become pregnant, so they can give you individualized advice relating to your oral health and risk of dental diseases and to ensure your comfort in the dental chair. Routine dental care including X-rays, pain medication, and local anesthesia are all safe treatments throughout pregnancy. Delaying necessary dental care may put you and your baby at risk. You should continue with your regularly scheduled dental visits as advised by your dentist.

Good Oral Health Care and Dental Hygiene

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners. Mouthrinses are safe to use (following the manufacturer’s instructions), and should be alcohol-free and contain fluoride.

Ch- Ch- Ch- Changes

Your changing hormones may cause your gums to become swollen and inflamed. If your gums start to bleed when brushing, or you notice any puffiness schedule a visit to your dentist. But don’t stop brushing and flossing.