Learn about the importance of oral care and dental hygiene during pregnancy and which pregnancy safe toothpaste and mouthwash to use to maintain healthy teeth.
Oral Care Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Your overall health – as well as the health of your baby – can be affected by the health of your teeth and gums. Some research has even shown a connection between poor gum health and premature delivery. Here’s a few tips to help prevent oral health issues while pregnant:
Don’t skip regular check-ups at your dental office.
Use an electric toothbrush that features a sensitive mode and floss gently to prevent injury to delicate gum tissues.
Use a toothpaste that protects against gum problems.
Rinse with an alcohol-free rinse that protects against gum problems.
Rinse your mouth after a bout with morning sickness to keep acids from affecting your teeth and gums.
Do not brush your teeth immediately after a bout of morning sickness. Wait at least 30 mins.
The use of a Stannous Fluoride toothpaste helps protect the teeth enamel from possible erosion from the stomach acids.
Follow a healthy diet including plenty of calcium, phosphorus, protein, and vitamins A, C and D. Talk to your obstetrician about the need for vitamin supplements.
Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy will help promote dental health and overall health for you and your baby. A baby’s teeth begin to develop between months 3 to 6 of pregnancy, so be sure that you are getting enough calcium, vitamin D, C and A, phosphorous, and protein.
A myth persists that women are losing teeth during pregnancy due to diminishing calcium in their teeth if they aren’t getting enough calcium in their diet during pregnancy. In fact, any calcium loss due to inadequate dietary calcium will occur in the bones, not the teeth. But if you include plenty of calcium-rich foods in your diet during pregnancy, your bones and teeth—and your baby’s bones and teeth—should be strong and healthy. That’s all the more reason to eat healthy while following a strict routine of good oral care.
A good oral care routine should consist of pregnancy safe toothpaste, floss, and pregnancy safe mouthwash. A pregnancy safe toothpaste should focus on gum care while a pregnancy safe mouthwash should be alcohol-free to stay gentle on the mouth. Be sure to brush twice and floss once daily.
