Hormonal changes due to pregnancy increase the chances of gingivitis and gum disease. Plaque can also irritate gum tissue at an expedited rate, causing it to swell, bleed, and feel tender. Other pregnancy-related changes, such as morning sickness, can also impact dental health without proper care. Use the following guide to review what dentists recommend to maintain a healthy mouth throughout pregnancy.

5 Pregnancy-Related Oral Health Tips

1. Visit Your Dentist in the First Trimester

Schedule a visit with your dentist when you first learn you are pregnant. Not only will the dentist give your teeth and gums a deep cleaning to remove tartar and plaque buildup, but they will also take X-rays, if necessary. These are safe during the first trimester and will alert you to potential issues, such as cavities and early gingivitis, so you can begin the appropriate treatments.

2. Wait to Brush After Experiencing Morning Sickness

Do not brush your teeth immediately following morning sickness since vomit contains enamel-eroding acids. Rather than brushing acids into your teeth and potentially exposing sensitive dentin, rinse your mouth with water. Let saliva neutralize mouth acids for half an hour before brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Focus on foods that are rich in vitamin C, B12, and calcium to promote gum health. Not only are the nutrients in whole foods, such as apples, celery, and carrots, beneficial, but they also naturally scrape plaque away from teeth. Prevent serious plaque accumulations by avoiding processed and sugary items that mouth bacterias love to feed on.

4. Don’t Forget to Floss

Floss every day by working the filament between each tooth and creating “C” shapes to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque from the teeth and gums. If you are not sure how to floss correctly, ask your dentist for instructions or discuss alternatives, such as water flossers and picks.

5. Consider Using an Antibacterial Mouthwash

Rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash if you’re experiencing pregnancy gingivitis or gingivitis that is occurring due to other hormonal changes. Ask your dentist for recommendations and follow product instructions to avoid irritation from alcohol ingredients. 

If it’s time for a dental checkup, schedule an appointment with the team at Stadler Dental Care. This dental office has been serving Columbus, NE, and the surrounding areas since 2000. They strive to see patients with urgent issues on the same day, and they also offer early Friday morning appointments. Call (402) 564-4093 to speak with a friendly staff member about your oral health, or visit the practice online for more about their comprehensive dental care services.