No More Natural Teeth: Deciding Between Implants and Dentures

Simple Steps To Protect Your Oral Health While Pregnant

by Jeremiah Barnett

Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but it can be filled with a great deal of physical and emotional changes. From weight gain and discomfort to mood swings and fatigue, the different ways pregnancy changes your life can be overwhelming. During this time, supporting your baby's development will even result in a weakening of your teeth. Considering gum disease and oral infections can lead to preterm birth, protecting your oral health while pregnant is imperative. With these tips and the help of your dentist and doctor, you can reduce your risk of preterm labor while ensuring your mouth, teeth, and gums are healthy.

Continue Routine Dental Exams

While pregnant, you are most likely busy with regular life and appointments with your obstetrician. However, you must also set aside time to visit your dentist for a regular checkup.

During your checkup, your dentist will perform a basic exam to rule out any dental problems that may affect the look of your smile and the health of your pregnancy. X-rays will not be conducted, since this technology can be harmful to your unborn baby.

A thorough cleaning of your teeth will also be completed during your exam. This will remove any stubborn food particles, plaque, and tartar that may have built up on your teeth and gums.

Your dentist will also discuss the importance of regular brushing during your pregnancy. If you are dealing with morning sickness and vomiting or acid reflux (which are common issues during pregnancy), brushing, flossing, and rinsing are even more important to remove food and stomach acids from the mouth.

Avoid elective treatments that are used to whiten your teeth. LED whitening services are effective for removing stains and brightening the white color of your tooth enamel, but they are not recommend for patients who are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Follow a Healthy Diet

Following a healthy diet is essential while you are pregnant. Not only will a well-balanced diet help you avoid gaining an excess amount of weight, but it can also benefit your oral health.

To protect your mouth, teeth, and gums and to ensure your unborn child is receiving all the necessary vitamins and minerals, make sure to add the following to your daily diet:

Protein – Lean chicken, beans, fish, and eggs are excellent sources of protein. In addition, consider snacking on nuts for both protein and fiber.

Dairy – Your body will utilize a great deal of calcium to nourish your baby, so be sure to incorporate dairy foods into your diet. Cottage cheese, milk, and unsweetened yogurt are best.

Greens – Green, leafy vegetables are loaded in key vitamins and minerals. Also, these vegetables are good sources of fiber, which can be beneficial if you are constipated. Consider eating spinach or kale daily.

You pregnancy will keep you busy, but you should never forego caring for your mouth, teeth, and gums. These simple solutions will ensure your oral health is protected during the intensity of pregnancy. For more information on how pregnancy can affect your teeth, contact a local dental clinic, such as NOVA PREMIER DENTAL.

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