A female’s body undergoes many changes throughout pregnancy. Visiting the dentist during the first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided if possible, but if a dental emergency arises, the patient needs to make sure all dental providers are aware of her condition.
When trying to conceive, keeping appointments with the dentist to have teeth cleaned and examined will help to allow you to maintain good oral health once pregnancy occurs. Being pregnant is possibly one of the only excusable reasons to skip a dental appointment, but if needed, the second trimester is the safest time for needed dental care.
As the fetus develops into a little human, both the mother and baby are subjected to physical and hormonal changes. Women are more likely to experience problems like gum disease; plaque build-up can actually increase during pregnancy. This makes the daily regimen of dental care more important than ever for mom to observe. Brushing and flossing daily are critical to maintaining good dental health.
Often during the first trimester, pregnant women may suffer from morning sickness (can actually can occur any time of the day or night), and it may be tempting to brush your teeth. However, the acids produced from the stomach can damage teeth so instead of brushing right away, a better solution is to rinse with warm water or a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid brushing for at least one hour.
A diet that includes nutritious fruits and vegetables along with the proper balance of vitamins through supplements and food intake can be beneficial to overall health as well as dental well-being.
There are obvious lifestyle habits to avoid when pregnant including any type of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and drugs that have not been prescribed by a healthcare provider. Limit sugary beverages and snacks – in addition to unwanted weight gain, sugar can impact dental health increasing the incidence of dental decay.
Positive habits, in addition to a healthy and nutritious diet, include exercise as prescribed, getting sufficient rest, drinking water, and honoring the commitment to daily oral maintenance. Many people do not realize that baby’s teeth start forming in the womb. That is why what mom consumes during her pregnancy can impact her child.
Being vigilant about the care of your teeth whether pregnant or not will be rewarded with the healthiest teeth and gums possible for you. For more tips on keeping your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy, contact Richardson Dentistry today.
