Tips for Caring for Your Teeth

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

As you may know, pregnancy affects your whole body. What you may not realize is the effect being pregnant can have on your teeth. Without proper care, tooth loss or pregnancy induced gingivitis could be the result. Fortunately, there are things you can do to care for your teeth which can prevent these problems.

Visit Your Dentist: The best thing you can do to care for your teeth and prevent dental problems is to visit your dentist regularly. Visit your dentist in the late first or early in the second trimester for a cleaning and exam. This can prevent pregnancy induced gingivitis which can occur as a result of the gums swelling during pregnancy.

Eat a Healthy Diet: You know that proper nutrition is important for your baby, but did you know it is important for your teeth too? Select foods which are good sources of calcium and vitamins A, C and D for your teeth as well as your baby's. The baby's teeth are developing throughout the second trimester of pregnancy. Your body needs enough calcium for the baby's needs and your own. Without a food source, calcium will be leached from your bones and teeth.

Avoid Junk Foods: Skip the sweets and sugary foods. Pay attention to beverages such as soda or caffeinated beverages. This will help prevent cavities and the need for fillings during the pregnancy. Besides all that junk just results in excessive weight gain and is no good for your health.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: When we are pregnant, we are tired. It is easy to skip brushing and flossing before bed due to fatigue. It is important not to do this. Brushing and flossing will help keep the teeth clean and reduce the risk of both cavities and gingivitis. Pay close attention to flossing, which helps clean beneath the gum line.

Schedule Procedures Carefully: Some women need dental procedures, such as fillings, root canal or crowns during pregnancy. Most dentists recommend waiting until the second trimester for these procedures. You may be given an antibiotic to reduce the risk of an infection.

Related Articles:

Is it Safe to Whiten Teeth in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy and Your Teeth

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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