ortodontist

Teeth Care At Pregnancy

So you decided to have a baby. Congratulations. You need to care lots of things in this period, including your oral health. BEFORE YOU GET PREGNANT, you better make sure that your teeth are in good shape and healthy. Visit your dentist to be sure your teeth and gums are in good health. Do not forget that your hormones will increase in a short while and increased hormones at pregnancy can make your teeth and gums very sensitive.

In The First Trimester (First Three Months Of Pregnancy)

Tell your dentist that you are pregnant. Your dentist will take care of your oral health and remind you your checks when you are busy with your new coming life.

At this period, change in hormones can cause puffy gums, inflammation of gums. This is called “pregnancy gingivitis”. Do not worry, you can handle that with your dentist’s help.

Use soft and bland toothpaste to avoid morning sickness.

If you are suffering from morning sickness, rinse out your mouth frequently.

Use fluoride rinse, only when it is recommended by your dentist.

To prevent vomiting, use a small and soft toothbrush.

And do not brush, right after vomiting. Do not panic. Vomiting is normal and inevitable.

In The Second Trimester (4-6 Months Of Pregnancy)

Craving in pregnancy is indispensable. But even if you crave for candies do not eat sugary food. Force yourself to stay away from them.

Make sure that your diet contains plenty of vitamin C, calcium, vitamin B12. These will help your oral health. But of course consult your gynaecologist or obstetrician.

Bleaching is not advised at this period. But there is no evidence to say it may harm your baby. But if it is not necessary, you may want to delay the procedure.

Sometimes small and temporary tumors can be experienced in mouth or lips at pregnancy. These are called “pregnancy granuloma” or “pregnancy tumors”. Do not worry. They will disappear soon. But consult your dentist.

In The Third Trimester (Last Three Months)

Avoid ALL dental treatments during last 6 weeks of pregnancy, unless there is an emergency.

Keep brushing and flossing at home.

Book an appointment for after the baby is born from your dentist.

After Birth

X-rays, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide are ALL SAFE while breastfeeding.

Talk to your dentist about removing amalgam (silver) fillings because mercury can travel through breastmilk in high concentrations.

And you are not alone anymore. When your baby’s teeth start to pop, you need to take care of them too. See our baby teeth care articles.

Myths And Truth

“You lose a tooth with every pregnancy.”  No you don’t.

“Babies take calcium from your teeth.” No that’s not true.

“It is unsafe to go dentist while pregnant.” No. Why should it be?

“You can’t have X-rays while pregnant.” Well, if necessary, X-rays can be done very carefully under special care.