Keeping Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

It is easy to understand why pregnancy is often viewed as the healthiest time in a woman’s life. By paying special attention to your physical and emotional health, you can give your baby the best chance at a healthy start. In return, you can reap personal benefits from your healthier mind and body as well.

Understanding the details of a pregnant woman’s needs during this exciting time can be challenging. Fortunately, for advice and support regarding the relationship between pregnancy and dentistry in San Antonio, you can turn to our experienced dental team.

Many of the same principles and values that apply to the general population regarding oral hygiene also apply during pregnancy. The main difference may be that the body naturally functions differently during pregnancy and attention to detail becomes more critical than ever.

Brushing and flossing, the staples of all oral hygiene routines, becomes vitally important. As smaller, more frequent meals and snacks become necessary cleaning the teeth and gums between meals can help to prevent cavities.

If frequent brushing and flossing becomes impractical, try chewing sugarless gum or rinsing with water. Chewing gum is proven to stimulate the salivary glands. This action helps to neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Rinsing with water can also rinse away the particles that could potentially cause tooth decay.

During pregnancy, many women are forced to suffer from excessive acid reflux, gas, and nausea. As the environment in the mouth becomes more acidic, careful oral hygiene is necessary to prevent gum disease as well as tooth decay.

Keeping the gums and teeth free from plaque bacteria can be an ongoing task. As the body tends to over-react to normal levels of bacteria, pregnant women may notice an increase in bleeding gums and generalized sensitivity. Occasional bleeding during brushing and flossing should not prevent proper home care. If the bleeding becomes constant, heavy, or is accompanied by a bump or abscess, contact your dentist immediately.

Dental diseases such as periodontal disease have been linked to prenatal complications. Such complications, like low birth weight and premature labor are important motivating factors for careful homecare.

For more advice on keeping your teeth healthy during pregnancy, call 210.616.0858 for your appointment right away.