Additional Questions About Your Dental Health during Pregnancy
There are more common questions pregnant women ask regarding their oral care. We have heard about the safety of visits and of procedures like dental x-rays, here are more interesting scenarios. Again, it pays to be prepared and in the know.
What do I do when my gums bleed?
Many women develop pregnancy gingivitis which appears between the second and eight month. This is a mild form of gum disease prevalent in pregnancy, caused by plaque build-up on and in between teeth. Hormonal changes cause the gums to be easily irritated by plaque. The redness and swelling can make the gums bleed even at the slightest brushing.
You might be negligent about oral hygiene, so go back to brushing diligently, twice a day, and flossing at least once. Though this occurrence may go away after you have delivered, pay your dentist a visit and see what else you can do to regain healthy gums.
How do I deal with morning sickness?
These episodes are really uncomfortable and stressful. While you can ask your doctor about it, you would need to know how to protect your teeth from the corrosive effect of stomach acid. The acid in the vomit can attack your enamel and weaken it, aside from the bad taste it leaves in the mouth, do not rush to your toothbrush just yet.
Instead, use water, or diluted mouth rinse, or a cup of water mixed with one teaspoon of baking soda, and swish it around your mouth, and spit out. Do it a couple of times, wait 30 minutes, and brush your teeth. Brushing right away will just spread the acid all over your teeth anew.
What if brushing my teeth makes me gag?
If brushing makes you gag, try a different tactic than your usual routine. You can use a smaller toothbrush head, brush at another time of the day, change your toothbrush flavor, or try swishing and spitting with water first before you proceed to brush. Change your tactics everyday, if need be. Just do not abandon your dental hygiene routine. Remember that being pregnant increases your risks for cavities and infections.
Can the foods I eat affect my baby’s teeth?
When you eat healthy foods you actually help your baby’s teeth form correctly. Teeth formation in babies in the womb occurs between the third and sixth months of pregnancy. You must get plenty of nutrients, like protein, calcium, and phosphorus which ensure the hardness of teeth. You must also eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D. Obtain your nutrients and vitamins from fruits and veggies, dairy, grains, and lean protein from certain animal meats.
SourceMore Tips for Expectant Moms in Lynnwood
When you’re an expectant mom and you’d like to learn more about caring for your and your baby’s teeth, see our dentist. Visit us at Song Dental Lynnwood.
