For pregnant women, there are a lot of things they need to prepare for – baby proofing, getting the nursery ready, shopping for baby gear and more. Before you get lost in these things, you have to remember that you need to look after your teeth during pregnancy. It is important that you take care of your oral health, especially during pregnancy, because hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive. 

When you are pregnant, you can expect a lot of major changes in your mouth, which can affect your baby when ignored. To make sure you have a healthy mouth and teeth, here are some pregnancy dental care tips:

 

• Floss every day

Pregnant women have a higher chance of developing gingivitis. This is because there is an increased level of hormones which causes hindrance to the body’s response to fight bacteria and infections. You can prevent plaque buildup in your teeth when you regularly floss. Flossing once a day can remove germs between your teeth and prevent dental health problems from occurring during pregnancy.

 

• Do not brush your teeth after morning sickness

It might be tempting to do so you can get rid of the nasty feeling, but your stomach acids can weaken your teeth enamel. Rinse your mouth with clean water first to wash the acids away from your mouth. If you need to brush, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will ensure that your tooth enamel has already recovered from the acid attack caused by the stomach contents you vomited. 

 

• More calcium

Eat foods rich with calcium. When you are pregnant, your baby’s teeth develop too. It is essential that you increase your calcium intake. Aside from keeping your teeth healthy and strong, calcium also lowers your risk of developing osteoporosis while being pregnant. Eat food like milk, cheese, spinach and yogurt to keep your teeth healthy as well as ensure your baby is developing strong teeth too. Your OB-GYN may also suggest calcium supplements to keep you and your baby healthy. 

 

• Drink plenty of tap water

Tap water contains fluoride which is essential in strengthening the teeth and protecting it against cavities. Rest assured that fluoride in tap water, or in your toothpaste, will not harm you or your baby’s health. Rinse your mouth with tap water after every meal too. Just make sure though that the tap water is safe enough for you to drink to avoid gastrointestinal problems. You may also talk to your OB-GYN if you have any concerns about drinking tap water. 

 

• Pay your dentist a visit regularly

Even while pregnant, it is crucial to continue taking good care of your oral health. Dental check-ups are completely safe for pregnant women. Make sure to inform your dentist about your pregnancy if it isn’t noticeable enough yet so they will be able to make the necessary adjustments to your dental treatment.