Taking Care Of Your Teeth During Pregnancy
by Harold Coleman
If you are pregnant, your body is experiencing many hormonal changes. These changes will affect your teeth and gums, making it important to continue with a regular dental cleaning routine throughout the duration of your pregnancy. Here are some tips you can use to keep your teeth in the best of shape while you are awaiting the birth of your child.
Should I See A Dentist?
When pregnant, it is even more important that you see a dentist than when you are not pregnant. Pregnancy increases the likelihood of gingivitis, making is increasingly important that you continue with a cleaning regimen to combat bacteria, plaque and tartar before it takes control. Continue to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Since it is recommended to see a dentist every six months for a cleaning, at least one of these cleanings will be done during your pregnancy. Let your dentist know about your pregnancy so they can hold off on doing X-rays until after you have delivered.
What If I Have Morning Sickness?
Many women suffer from morning sickness in the beginning stages of their pregnancy, making it difficult to keep food and water in the stomach. Morning sickness can make the taste of toothpaste unbearable, sometimes causing the pregnant woman to throw up merely from the smell of the toothpaste.
If you are suffering from morning sickness, at the very least, rinse your mouth out with water after vomiting so you remove any bacteria and acids from the surfaces of the teeth. These can be harmful to the enamel of your teeth and can contribute to gingivitis if left in the mouth. Place some water on your toothbrush to scrub off some of this decay, if possible.
Try different brands of toothpaste while you are suffering from morning sickness. Some women find that peppermint or baking soda flavors are tolerable. Using mouthwash is another option during the weeks that morning sickness is troubling you.
Can I Have Dental Work Done?
During pregnancy, it is best to postpone dental work until after the birth of your baby. It is risky to use anesthesia or pain relievers as they may cause harm to your unborn baby. Routine cleanings are still recommended, but other procedures can wait. If you have an emergency, or a tooth falls out, call your dentist right away to see how to proceed. They may make you wait to replace the tooth with an implant after the birth of your baby.
For more information about dental care contact a company like Silverado Family Dental.
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About Me
I have never liked my teeth. I had a lot of dental problems, including deep staining and oddly shaped teeth. Every tooth did not have the same shape, and some were rounded while others were more square. Not surprisingly, I never smiled in pictures and not even much in real life. This left people thinking I was mean before they even met me. My dentist told me my best bet to improve the look of my smile was a set of porcelain dental veneers. He said they could make all my teeth white and the same shape. I said I wanted them without any hesitation, and we scheduled my procedures. I love my new teeth, and they really did change my life. I created this blog to help other people living with teeth they don't like realize that they do have options that can improve their smiles and their lives.