Did you know pregnancy can affect the teeth, gums and oral health? Well, it’s true, unfortunately. Pregnancy can cause many dental problems if you’re not careful, which is why our team, strongly encourages you to keep your smile in mind while you wait to meet your little one. There are many things you can do to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape during pregnancy. Those things include some of the following:
– Brush: It’s important to brush twice a day for two minutes each time. As you brush, please use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing can help you remove plaque and bacteria that promote cavities and gum disease. If you suffer from morning sickness, it’s best to wait 30 minutes to brush (Brushing after causes the stomach acidity to accelerate damage to tooth enamel).
– Floss: It’s important to floss daily. This means you should floss once a day, whether it’s in the morning, afternoon or night. We recommend you floss at night and develop this daily habit. Flossing removes the harmful substances from between the teeth and along the gumline to help you prevent major dental issues. As you floss, it’s best to use a product that is easy to maneuver so you reduce your chances of damaging your gums.
– Attend your dental checkups: Receiving a dental cleaning and exam every six months is also very important. In fact, it’s vital. Your dental checkups can remove the destructive plaque and bacteria from your smile to help you avoid pregnancy gingivitis and other issues. When you go to your dental office, make sure to tell the dental team about your pregnancy. If needed, we even recommend seeing your dentist every few months.
If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about smile care while pregnant, please give our team a call at your earliest convenience. When you dial (805) 985-2400, our dental team will be thrilled to help you! And by the time your child turns one, be sure to schedule a dental appointment with us to help your child get started on their healthy smile journey!