Many of your health needs change while you’re pregnant, and certain habits must be adjusted to ensure both you and the baby are as healthy as possible. This includes oral health. Here’s a closer look at how oral hygiene needs will change and how you can work with a dentist for a healthy pregnancy.

Guide to Oral Health in Pregnant Women

How It Changes

Pregnancy causes a lot of hormonal changes in the body. These fluctuating hormones—particularly progesterone—increase the risk of gum disease. According to the CDC, up to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. Bacteria builds up along the gumline and inflames the soft tissue. If not treated, that bacteria can cause infected pockets in the gums and ultimately lead to tooth loss. You may also be at an increased risk of cavities as your diet changes or morning sickness makes it tough to brush your teeth.

The bacteria in your mouth can be transmitted to the baby’s as well. Exposure to this will increase the child’s likelihood of oral health trouble in early life. Children whose mothers have tooth loss or untreated cavities are over three times more likely to have cavities.

What to Do

Schedule an appointment with a dentist before you get pregnant or as soon as you learn the good news. Their thorough teeth cleaning will remove bacteria to give you a healthy start to the process. If you have any cavities, have them treated as well. Be sure to tell the dentist about the pregnancy, so they can provide some personalized tips for your hygiene.

For example, they may recommend a blander toothpaste that won’t increase nausea. If you still get morning sickness, rinse your mouth out afterward so the acid doesn’t sit on the enamel and weaken it. When having sugary snacks, brush your teeth immediately afterward so the sugar doesn’t have time to interact with bacteria.

Finally, be sure not to skip a routine checkup just because you’re pregnant. Schedule an immediate appointment if you notice your gums are tender, red, swollen, or bleeding.

Elm Dental Care will help keep your oral health in peak condition throughout the pregnancy in St. Charles, MO. This New Town dentist offers a full range of industry-leading preventive and cosmetic dentistry services designed to improve overall health and give you a confident smile. Learn more on their website and call (636) 916-4848 to schedule an appointment.