Oral Health Precautions to Take During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a maelstrom of hormonal activity, managing the demands on your body as your baby develops. With everything else going on, the effect on your oral health can be easily overlooked.

However, pregnancy may significantly impact your teeth and gums. That’s why maintaining good oral hygiene supports your maternal health while reducing pregnancy complications. 

At Sabrina E. Mickel DDS & Associates in Beachwood, Ohio, we’re proud to be your maternal dental care provider. With this month’s blog, we’re pointing out the dental issues that can accompany pregnancy, as well as the precautions you can take. Our goal is to make your oral health a non-issue as you move through the months toward delivery. 

The effects of pregnancy on oral health

Hormones create vastly different conditions within your body during pregnancy, changing blood flow and relaxing connective tissues. This leads to a number of risks for your teeth and gums, including: 

• Increased blood flow to the gums
• Swollen gum tissue that bleeds more easily
• Increased plaque buildup
• Gingivitis related to pregnancy
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Exposure to stomach acids through morning sickness, which can weaken tooth enamel
• Sweet tooth cravings that may raise the risk of cavities

How to protect your oral health during pregnancy

Not every mom-to-be will experience problems, but some will, and the effects could be severe in rare cases. Let’s take a look at the precautions that reduce your risk. 

Maintain daily oral hygiene

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. This is the foundation of effective home dental care, along with flossing once a day, to clean more effectively between teeth. 

If you use mouthwash, choose an alcohol-free formula and rinse before brushing your teeth, rather than after, which can limit the benefits of the fluoride toothpaste. Find the discipline to maintain your dental care routine, even when fatigue and nausea increase the challenge. 

Continue your check-ups

It’s tempting to postpone dentist visits as you prioritize other prenatal appointments. However, it’s important to keep up the in-office cleanings, which combine with your home care to create a two-part system to maintain your dental condition. Let us know about your pregnancy and due date, so we can help you book for a minimum of time conflicts. 

Watch for gum disease

Early signs of gingivitis include: 

• Swollen, bleeding gums
• Bleeding while you brush
• Tender gums
• Persistent bad breath

Call us if these symptoms appear between visits. Untreated gum disease has a statistical connection with pregnancy complications. 

Rinse with baking soda after morning sickness

Stomach acid is bad for tooth enamel. After an episode of morning sickness, resist the temptation to brush. Instead, use a baking soda rinse to neutralize acids and protect your teeth. 

Dental care is an important part of your self-care during pregnancy. Contact Sabrina E. Mickel DDS & Associates, online or by phone, to book your next visit today.