“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world.”
Agatha Christie
Communication is key:
A mother’s love is incredibly special and during pregnancy ladies need to love their teeth too! Typically, dental cleanings are completely safe during pregnancy, but inform your dental office how far along you are when you schedule any appointments and notify the staff if you are a high-risk pregnancy or have additional medical conditions. In rare cases, it is possible that dental visits may need to be postponed until after the baby is born.
Tips for a healthy mouth during pregnancy:
1. Schedule routine cleanings and update your dental hygienist if you notice changes in your mouth such as swelling, redness or bleeding.
2. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste two times a day.
3. Floss once a day.
4. Eat a balanced diet and eat snacks in moderation.
5. To help with plaque control, use an antimicrobial rinse in the evening.
6. Morning sickness: wait 30 minutes to brush after vomiting and instead rinse with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to stop stomach acid from damaging your teeth.
Diet during pregnancy:
Did you know your baby’s teeth begin to develop when you are 12-24 weeks along in your pregnancy? That’s why it’s so important to make sure you are getting enough protein, calcium, iron, phosphorous, folic acid and vitamins A, C and D. When snacking, choose foods that are low in sugar like yogurt, cheese, nuts, fruits, vegetables and leafy greens and always follow your primary care physician’s dietary instruction.
Gum health during pregnancy:
Pregnancy gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes your gums to feel tender or bleed. Your dentist may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to keep the gingivitis under control. It’s very important to maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent more severe periodontal issues.
Infant oral health:
Within the first few days after birth, start wiping your newborn’s gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or warm washcloth. Even though newborns have no visible teeth, their gums provide a foundation for their baby teeth (baby teeth commonly begin to erupt at 6 months). Be sure to gently wipe their gums after feedings and before bedtime and never put a baby to bed with a bottle.
If you have questions or need to make an appointment, please call 614-882-2249.