How to Maintain Good Oral Health During Pregnancy

Oral Health During Pregnancy in Nashville TN

When you're pregnant, you are caring for yourself and your baby. You learn to eat healthier, drink more water, and safely exercise. Taking care of your oral health is just as important to your pregnancy as taking care of the rest of your health. The dental professionals at Miller Family Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, understand how pregnancy affects dental health, and they can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your pregnancy.


Oral Health While Pregnant

Your body changes during pregnancy, which can lead to more oral health problems. It's important to take good care of your teeth and gums because a healthy mouth can help you have a healthier pregnancy and baby. This article will explain some common oral health problems during pregnancy and how you can better maintain a healthy mouth.


What are Common Oral Health Problems During Pregnancy?

Some of the oral health problems you need to watch out for during pregnancy include:

  • Gingivitis. Pregnancy hormones can increase your risk of gingivitis, leading to more serious gum disease if left untreated. If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you should let your dentist know.
  • Periodontitis. This is a serious gum disease that could lead to infection in the gums, bacteria in the bloodstream, and loosened teeth. Periodontitis should be treated right away to keep you and your baby safe.
  • Pregnancy tumors. If you notice lumps in your gums, especially between your teeth, you probably have pregnancy tumors. They are not cancerous, and they typically go away on their own after you give birth. Brushing and flossing regularly helps prevent pregnancy tumors.
  • Enamel erosion. In the first few months of pregnancy, you may experience morning sickness, which could cause you to vomit. The stomach acid in your vomit can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. Brushing your teeth after vomiting or rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda and a cup of water can help reduce the acid.

How Can Oral Health Be Maintained While Pregnant?

Extra care can go a long way toward keeping you and your baby healthy during pregnancy. Follow these tips to keep on top of good oral health:

  • Regular dental check-ups. It's especially important to keep your routine dental appointments during pregnancy since your teeth and gums may do unexpected things. Your dentist can spot problems before they become major issues.
  • Brushing and flossing. Keep brushing and flossing your teeth daily to remove plaque and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Proper nutrition. Healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meat, whole-grain bread and pasta, and low-fat dairy products, are important for your dental health and your baby's development. Avoid eating lots of sugary foods.
  • Managing morning sickness. If you have morning sickness that causes you to vomit frequently, ask your prenatal care provider for tips on reducing the sickness.
  • Using fluoridated products. Keep using fluoridated products, such as toothpaste and mouth rinse, to prevent cavities. Maintaining good dental health is important to you and the baby.
  • Avoiding harmful substances. Smoking can be very bad for you and your baby. Some pregnant mothers may find themselves craving non-food items, like dirt or chalk, which can be very bad for their teeth and overall health. Talk to your doctor about these harmful cravings. It's important to put healthy things into your body during pregnancy and to keep harmful things out.

Precautions to Take When Receiving Dental Treatment During Pregnancy

When you go to the dentist during your pregnancy, tell your dentist you are pregnant. It is safe to get many dental treatments during your pregnancy, but if there is a treatment that can be done later, try to schedule it during your second trimester or after the baby is born. Local anesthesia is safe for you and your baby. If you need different anesthesia or dental sedation, ask your prenatal care provider about it first.

At Miller Family Dentistry, we use digital X-rays to take pictures of your teeth beneath the gum line. Digital X-rays are safe when you are pregnant; however, we will only take them if absolutely necessary and take special precautions to protect you and your baby.


Schedule Your Next Appointment

If you are pregnant and it's time for a dental checkup, please contact Miller Family Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, to schedule an appointment. You can also contact us if you notice something unusual inside your mouth during pregnancy. We'll take a look and help you determine the safest, most effective treatments to maintain your oral health.

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