Oral Care During Pregnancy

You have too much things to take care during pregnancy, but don’t overlook your dental hygiene and overall oral health. While considering oral care during pregnancy, dental health has a great role more than having an attractive smile. Poor oral hygiene may cause infection and inflammation of the gums. In the same way, pregnancy increases the risk of developing gum diseases due to hormonal changes. This increases the importance of maintaining dental hygiene during pregnancy.

It is recommended to get a dental appointment even before getting pregnant, so that you will get a professional opinion about your oral health. Good oral care during pregnancy will help you stay away from dental cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. While following healthy practices for dental hygiene during pregnancy, it is important to know the unhealthy factors that may affect your oral health. Dental hygiene during pregnancy is very important for the health of your baby as well.

Regular brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly will help you keep your oral care during pregnancy perfect. Along with that, you can do some more things for dental hygiene during pregnancy. Below are some tips to help you perform good oral care during pregnancy.

Brush twice: Remember that you have to brush twice daily for a good oral care during pregnancy. Rinse your mouth every time after having food. This will help you stay away from infections. If morning sickness is a problem for brushing, change to any bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy.

Clean your tongue: Cleaning your tongue has the same importance as that of dental hygiene during pregnancy.  Don’t avoid your tongue while cleaning your mouth. You can use your toothbrush itself to clean your tongue. Tongue cleaners often lead to scratches and bleeding.

Limit fluoride: Fluoride is an important content in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. Fluoride is considered good because it strengthens enamel and makes it less prone to decay. But, increased exposure to fluoride may cause white spots on the teeth.

Calcium intake: Good oral care during pregnancy will be perfect only if your teeth are healthy. Since pregnancy demands too much of calcium, it is important to take enough of it. Or else, using calcium from your teeth may cause dental problems.

Floss daily: Dental hygiene during pregnancy will be complete only with a perfect flossing technique. Using floss to clean in between the teeth will help do oral care during pregnancy.  Pull the floss from the gum line to the top of the tooth and clean the sides.

Avoid sugar-rich foods: It is your pregnancy period and chances are more for you to crave for something sweet. But, for a good oral care during pregnancy, it is better to avoid sweets. Bacteria in the mouth breaks down sugar and produce acids, which will damage your teeth.

Clean habits: Smoking and use of other illegal drugs can do harm to your teeth as well. While you are pregnant, it is extremely important to quit your bad habits as it will harm not only you, but also your unborn baby.

A dental appointment: It is highly recommended to have professional checkups for your dental health. Since you have restrictions on taking dental treatments during pregnancy, it is better to have the visit done even before you get pregnant.

Eat healthy: Eating a well balanced diet is very important for oral care for pregnancy. Dairy products like milk, cheese, cottage cheese, or unsweetened yogurt are excellent choices. Reduce the intake of sugar and other sweetened drinks like juice or cola.  

http://www.boldsky.com/pregnancy-parenting/prenatal/2013/oral-care-during-pregnancy-036834.html