Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to the body, some can be anticipated while others are more difficult to prefect. It’s important for expectant mothers to stay on top of their health, their dental health included. As hormone levels change and your body changes, it helps to keep up with regular visits to a trusted dentist in Woodbridge throughout your pregnancy and afterward. If you notice an unexpected change to your teeth or gums, from unexpected bleeding to loose teeth, visit our emergency dentist and team at Mackenzie Dental Centre.
Read on for easy tips on how to maintain your oral wellness during pregnancy.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
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Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring about dental problems, particularly cavities. Pregnant women are more susceptible to cavities due to hormonal changes that can weaken the enamel of the teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Pregnant women should use fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging their gums.
Eat a Balanced Diet & Stay Hydrated
A rich and healthy diet that is high in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus helps to boost the health of teeth and gums. Dentists in Woodbridge also recommend avoiding sugary and starchy foods that contribute to tooth decay and halitosis or bad breath. To prevent gum recession, cavities, and dry mouth, pregnant women should stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to stop bacteria from lingering in the mouth. If you notice experiencing severe dental pain during your pregnancy, don’t wait out or rely solely on over-the-counter treatments, instead, contact Mackenzie Dental Centre. Our emergency dentist in Vaughan will help restore health and comfort to your teeth.
Morning Sickness & Tooth Enamel
Morning sickness is a common challenge of pregnancy where bouts of nausea and vomit can dominate many days continually. Morning sickness is not only physically unpleasant, it can also have a negative effect on the teeth and dental health. When vomiting happens persistently, stomach acid in the mouth erodes the enamel leaving the teeth more susceptible to decay and cavities, dry mouth, and periodontal disease.
To minimize the risk of dental problems caused by morning sickness, pregnant women can rinse their mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda after vomiting to neutralize the acid. It's also essential to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing teeth after vomiting, as brushing immediately after can further damage the enamel. Maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and visiting the dentist in Woodbridge regularly can also help protect dental health during pregnancy. By taking care of their teeth, expectant mothers can ensure that their pregnancy is as comfortable and healthy as possible.
Inform Your Dentist About Any Medications
Depending on your pregnancy, many women are prescribed various medications, supplements, antibiotics, and pain relievers. If you’re concerned about your dental health, you should let your dentist know about anything you’ve been prescribed by other doctors and why. By being transparent about your health, our team of dentists will be able to better help you.
Book a Visit at a Dentist Near You
Your smile is a matter of self-care, confidence, and wellness. Go through your pregnancy with a healthy smile by visiting your trusted dental clinic in Woodbridge, Mackenzie Dental Centre.
