Dental hygiene for the future mother

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:16

Mothers-to-be must take good care of themselves throughout their pregnancy. Just like regular visits to the gynecologist, visits to the dentist are not to be neglected. They are an integral part of a harmonious and he althy pregnancy.

Don't forget to tell your dentist that you are pregnant

Pregnant or not, your dental hygiene routine should be rigorous. We generally recommend two visits per year, every 6 months, in order to carry out a complete examination and cleaning. The pregnant woman is no exception, on the contrary, since her oral condition changes during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

Gums

One of the main changes noticed is undoubtedly the engorgement of the gums. Many pregnant women end up with swollen gums. They become bloody and very sensitive, especially if you don't floss on a regular basis. The solution is precisely there: by using dental floss every evening after brushing, you will help your gums to oxygenate well and tounclog, not to mention the primary job of floss, which is to clean between your teeth.

Caries

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that lodge in the mouth. It is activated by the sugars you consume, but also by the frequency of meals and the time the food spends in your mouth. Since some women have sweeter cravings when pregnant, or even crave them at night, their risk of developing cavities is increased. Brushing teeth is recommended twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, morning and evening, but the ideal is obviously after each meal and before bedtime! If you snack at night, but don't feel like brushing your teeth, make sure to rinse your mouth out with water anyway.

The vomiting

There are women who, during their pregnancy, suffer from vomiting. This vomiting, which can be frequent, brings stomach acid into their mouth. If the acid remains in prolonged contact with the teeth, it can damage the enamel by covering it and thus weakening it, leaving room for bacteria to attack the dentin, which is the porous structure just below the enamel. It is therefore advisable to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you are vomiting, and not to brush your teeth for a period of thirty minutes after vomiting. Toothbrush contact with stomach acid may cause premature enamel erosion.

Regular and normal monitoring

The periodic follow-up with the dentist will be the same as if you were not pregnant, with the exception of x-rays which will be avoided during this period. Otherwise, the dental staff will use the same products as those usually used. None of these products are contraindicated during pregnancy. They will also perform scaling and polishing as usual.

Any pain, infection or swelling in the mouth should be investigated. These signs should not be overlooked because these discomforts, if left untreated, can be harmful to you and your baby. Contact your dentist if needed or if you have any questions.

It is therefore important to continue to eat well and to avoid sweets, as well as cigarettes and alcohol. It is also important to have good daily hygiene with brushing and flossing. Above all, smile, and show the whole world how happy you are!