When you look down and see that little plus sign or smiley face, your life changes in an instant. Over the next 9 months, you’ll prepare your baby’s nursery, buy all the right supplies, and go to countless doctor’s appointments in between. While those are all important steps, it’s crucial you don’t let your dental care routine fall to the wayside in the process! Keep reading to learn more about oral health during pregnancy.
How an Expecting Mother’s Oral Health Affects Her Baby
At first glance, it may not seem like the condition of a mother’s oral health would have much, if any, impact on their baby. However, bacteria from an untreated dental problem, like an infection, can enter the mother’s bloodstream and travel directly to the uterus. In some cases, this triggers the production of labor-inducing chemicals called prostaglandins. Additionally, once the baby is born, the mother can unintentionally spread bacteria by wiping down the bottle or pacifier with her mouth.
6 Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health During Your Pregnancy
Fortunately, the majority of dental problems, from cavities to gum disease, are largely preventable with the right best practices in place. Here are a few specifically for expecting mothers:
- Don’t skip your oral hygiene routine. Hearing your alarm go off after a night of little-to-no rest can make you feel like getting back under the covers. However, it’s of the utmost importance that you thoroughly brush your teeth. The same goes for evenings when you feel like getting under the covers – always brush your teeth first!
- Do your best to limit snacking. Snacking throughout the day increases your risk of cavities. So, do your best to avoid grazing. When you do, stick to nutrient-dense foods, like raw veggies.
- Don’t brush your teeth directly after throwing up. Morning sickness is something many expecting mothers struggle with. If you’re one of them, don’t brush your teeth right away. Instead, rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water. After 30 minutes have passed, you can brush your teeth.
- Do drink lots of water. Keeping a bottle of H2O within arm’s reach will ensure you stay hydrated and help rinse food particles from your teeth throughout the day.
- Don’t pick up bad dental habits. Chewing on ice and using your teeth as tools are two bad dental habits you should avoid for the sake of your oral health.
- Do visit your dentist every six months. Your routine checkups and cleanings are essential for catching tooth decay and other dental problems in the early stages while simultaneously preventing other ones from developing.
As an expecting mother, your role of protecting your child and keeping them healthy has already begun. So, make sure to prioritize your oral health amid the hustle and bustle of planning for your baby’s arrival!
About the Practice
Thanks to the expertise of our talented team, Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is able to help children of all ages enjoy a healthy, happy smile. At our conveniently located office, we offer everything from meticulous checkups for infants to refreshing cleanings for teens, ensuring you can turn to the same trusted team time and time again to care for your favorite smile. To learn more about the importance of good oral health, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 781-767-7200.