Many of the fears about getting pregnant come because people are feeding these women false information or stories about their sister’s friend’s daughter who had some weird thing happen to them during their pregnancy. One of these common worries is that teeth will fall out while they are pregnant. While there is some truth to this statement, practicing proper dental health during pregnancy will easily prevent tooth issues for pregnant women. If you are pregnant and are noticing pain or some other problem with your teeth, it is important to visit your dentist. Visit us at Jenson Dental for exceptional dental care and services.
Dental Health During Pregnancy
While it is always important to take care of your dental health, having good dental health during pregnancy is extremely vital. This is where the pregnancy/tooth loss myth comes in. Gingivitis forms due to excessive plaque that has built-up on the teeth. During pregnancy, hormones change. These changes can lead to your teeth forming more plaque, leading to inflammation and gingivitis. Having a high level of hormones in a pregnant woman’s body or having untreated gingivitis can also loosen the tissues and bones that keep the teeth set in place. However, with proper dental care and oral health care practices, these problems can be avoided or reversed.
Dental Treatments During Pregnancy
Typically in the first trimester of pregnancy, women can experience morning sickness. While it may be difficult to brush your teeth in the beginning of pregnancy, it is so important to remove plaque buildup on your teeth. However, dental procedures and other dental appointments are best done outside of the first trimester. If you are planning to get pregnant, you may want to try to go to the dentist before getting pregnant to avoid having people put their hands in your mouth when you are nauseous.
Most dental treatments are safe for women during pregnancy. However, using x-rays during pregnancy is not advisable. It is important for you to tell your dentist if you are pregnant when you have an appointment or need dental treatment. This is because dentists will be able to offer you certain accommodations to ensure that you are comfortable. Also a dentist will be able to know which medications and treatments will be most appropriate when they are able to take into consideration that you are pregnant.
How To Care For Your Teeth During Pregnancy
The very best way to avoid tooth decay and gingivitis during pregnancy is to practice proper oral health care. Dental health during pregnancy is maintained by keeping the teeth and gums clean. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fine-bristled toothbrush and your favorite toothpaste is the first step. Making sure to floss at the end of the day is also important. Use a fluoridated mouthwash once a day as well for extra protection. These practices can help you avoid the buildup of plaque on your teeth while you are pregnant.
If you experience morning sickness, then you will need to be easy on your teeth. Vomit can damage the enamel on your teeth, so it is important to give your teeth time to recover before brushing. Rinse your teeth after morning sickness and put some fluoride toothpaste on your teeth to help nourish your enamel. Drink a lot of water and avoid sugary foods and drinks. It may also be helpful to rinse your mouth after eating.
Want More Dental Tips?
If you are looking for more dental tips or want more information about how to care for your dental health during pregnancy, feel free to reach out to us at Jenson Dental. We provide a wide variety of dental services and are very experienced in the dental field. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact us today.