If you are pregnant, then you may be all too familiar with the ways it can change your body. You might be trying to keep track of everything yourself, but one thing you should stay on top of is your oral health. There are several things that can happen that will impact your teeth and gums, and this can, in turn, affect your baby! Here’s what you need to know to protect your smile and your soon-to-be newborn.
How Will Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health?
While you are expecting, you may have some morning sickness. It can feel uncomfortable, but the stomach acid that comes up can weaken your enamel over time. This can increase your risk of decay.
Hormonal changes you experience can also cause your gums to be swollen or tender. In fact, pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition that affects many pregnant people. This is an early stage of periodontal disease, but the soft tissues in your mouth may bleed when you brush or floss as well.
Depending on the cravings you have, not-so-smile-friendly foods may be on your plate. Sugary and acidic things can lead to a cavity if you aren’t careful, or cause other oral health issues.
Can Dental Problems Affect My Baby?
The unique dental problems you face while pregnant can not only affect you, but your baby as well. A link has been shown between gum disease and premature birth. A study in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that those who are expecting and have a chronic case of this condition were four to seven times more likely to deliver underweight or premature babies.
It’s believed that the bacteria causing the issue travel through the soft tissues in the mouth to the womb and trigger the production of chemicals (prostaglandins). This is what is believed to cause the above to happen.
How Can I Protect My Smile While Pregnant?
Since you are no longer brushing for one, you might wonder what you can do to protect your smile and your baby from any problems. The good news is that you won’t need to make many changes to your standard routine. Here are simple tips you should follow:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes to remove plaque on your teeth.
- Don’t forget to floss once a day to get into places your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Try your best to limit snacking and focus on eating substantial meals. If you do want something small, then consider smile-friendly options like fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Visit your dentist for your routine checkup and cleaning; that way, any red flags can be spotted and taken care of right away.
In the end, don’t forget to show your oral health some love while you are expecting. It’s easy to get caught up in everything else, but treating your teeth and gums right can help you avoid any issues, so you can focus on getting ready for your loved one.
About the Practice
At Garland Pediatric Dentistry, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Ben Baghai and Dr. Kaveh Ghods. We are dedicated to helping kids in the local community get the stronger grins they deserve. By partnering with parents, they can learn how to make sure their children have good oral habits that they take into adulthood. If you are expecting and want more advice about growing smiles, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 674-9966.