Your Teeth And Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you may notice that your gums are more sore than usual. Some women get swollen and sore gums. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to bleeding. This is also called pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease.

It is important that you keep your mouth clean and healthy while you are pregnant. The best way to do so is to practice good oral hygiene. Visit your dentist so that they can give your teeth a good clean, but also they can give you advice for how to properly care for your teeth during your pregnancy.

Here are our tips:

• Clean your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day to prevent the buildup of plaque.
• Try not to have sugary foods or drinks too often. If you are going to have them, try to keep them to meal times.
• If you’re feeling hungry between meals, try to snack on healthier foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables or yoghurt, and avoid acidic or sugary foods.
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
• A daily salt rinse can help reduce gum inflammation. Add one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and swirl the wash around your mouth a few times, then spitting it out.

If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with plain water after each time you are sick. Do not brush your teeth immediately after you are sick as the acidity can soften your teeth. Wait an hour before brushing.

Dental Treatments To Avoid

When you visit the dentist, make sure they know you are pregnant. Discuss with them whether any new or replacement fillings should be delayed until after your pregnancy.

If you need an x-ray, your dentist will usually wait until after your pregnancy even though most dental x-rays will not affect the tummy.

If you are concerned about your dental health and how it may be affecting your baby, please call us on 01723 670500 for advice from our team.