May
27

Taking Care of Your Teeth While Pregnant

Pregnancy is a special time where your thoughts are filled with baby blues, pastel pinks, plush teddy bears, and all things adorable. With all of the thoughts about how to take care of the new addition to the family, many women forget that proper and preventative dental care is beneficial not only for themselves, but for their unborn baby.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling and irritation in your gums which can lead to gum disease or something more serious. Nausea affects the majority of women and vomiting can break down the enamel on your teeth making them more prone to decay. Snacking is also common for most mothers-to-be and any extra sugar is never a good thing. You should be checking regularly for early signs of infection or gum disease and take care of any dental issues as they occur. Even if your teeth seem to be in good health, it is still a good idea to have a checkup during the first or second trimester to make sure that you are preventing any future issues.

Cosmetic dental work on the other hand and multiple x-rays should be avoided if possible and you should always tell your dentist that you are pregnant to avoid being given any medications or treatments that could potentially be dangerous for your baby. When you reach your third trimester, sitting or lying down in a dental chair may be difficult on your body. Any non-emergency procedures at this point can be postponed until after the birth to ensure that there is no unnecessary risk placed on you or your baby.

Here are some tips for keeping your teeth as healthy and strong as possible during pregnancy:

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Replace sugary beverages and snacks with water and healthier options.
If you give in to a sweet craving, make sure to rinse your mouth shortly after eating.
After any vomiting, rinse your mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda to neutralize the stomach acid and help prevent damage on your teeth.

Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care in New Fairfield, CT has over 25 years of experience with patients from children to mothers and the rest of the family. If you want to stop in or if you have any questions about our practice or services, please feel free to call us at 203-746-1200 or click here to request an appointment.