While taking good care of your dental health is always important, it’s extra essential when you are pregnant. Hormone changes cause the gums to swell, resulting in pregnancy gingivitis without the right care. Here are a few tips for preventing common oral health issues and unexpected visits to the dentist. 

A Guide to Oral Care for Pregnant Women 

1. Make an Appointment With Your Dentist 

See your dentist during your first trimester or when you are trying to get pregnant, especially if it’s been over six months since your last visit. Tell the dental professional about your condition or that you’re planning to have a baby, and list any medications, prenatal vitamins, and minerals you are taking.

Your dentist will perform X-rays if you need them, as they are safe to use early during pregnancy and include thyroid protection. You will also receive a deep teeth cleaning and recommendations to keep your gums healthy, such as using an anti-tartar mouthwash.

2. Wait to Brush Your Teeth If You Have Morning Sickness

Brush your teeth at least 20 minutes after your last bout of morning sickness to avoid brushing stomach acid into your enamel. Waiting gives saliva enough time to neutralize the acid, especially if you drink water to flush your mouth. Rinse with water after each episode so the acid doesn’t stay on your teeth and wear the enamel down. Should your current toothbrush flavor contribute to morning sickness, switch to a non-flavored variety.

3. Consume Extra Calcium

Talk to your physician and dentist about increasing your calcium intake to fortify your enamel against decay and help your baby’s teeth develop successfully. Consume organic dairy products, leafy greens such as kale and spinach, almonds, and broccoli, and consider taking supplements.

4. Don’t Forget to Floss

Floss every day if you don’t already. Ask your dentist for flossing tips if you aren’t sure how to do it correctly, as you need to work the filament between each tooth before gently cleaning under your gums. Make a C shape around each tooth to ensure a deep clean.

Flossing reaches the bacteria and food particles your toothbrush cannot, keeping plaque from building up along the gumline and causing pregnancy gingivitis symptoms, such as inflamed, red, and bleeding gums. 

Don’t wait to schedule a dentist appointment if you are pregnant. Dental Clinic of Onalaska provides the services you need to maintain a healthy smile before, during, and after pregnancy. Call the La Crosse County, WI-based practice today to make a teeth cleaning appointment, or learn about their payment options online. Get updates on Facebook.