Pregnancy is a very exciting time for women, whether it’s your first child or your third!  The body undergoes many changes in preparation for the birth, but your oral health can also be affected.

Pregnant women who experience morning sickness with acid reflux and vomiting  are at high risk of tooth erosion.  Tooth erosion is the gradual wearing down of the enamel layer of our teeth.

To reduce risk of tooth erosion and damage to your teeth after vomiting/reflux you can:

• Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva to neutralise and wash away acid.
• Smear a little bit of toothpaste over your teeth with your finger.
• Rinse your mouth immediately with water or a mouth rinse. (e.g. Add a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a cup of water to rinse and spit after vomiting)
• Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel surface.

Your gums are also affected whilst pregnant.  Lots of hormonal changes will occur which results in an increased chance of gingivitis (bleeding gums), so it is important to take special care of your gums by using dental floss and a soft bristled toothbrush.

Dry mouth is another condition associated with pregnancy.  It can put women at a greater risk for problems such as tooth decay and infections.   To stay hydrated, the best advice is to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and chew sugarless gum to enhance the production of saliva.

It is important to remember that your oral health during pregnancy can also influence your unborn child’s development.  The child’s baby teeth starts to  develop around the sixth week of pregnancy. Calcium is particularly important in your diet while you are pregnant and breastfeeding. It helps build the teeth and bones of the your baby

The best insurance for a healthy baby is a mother who is well, eats a healthy diet before and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, teeth and gums need special attention.   Eating a balanced diet, brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day.  Your Local Redcliffe Dentist also encourages you to visit the dentist regularly, as it  will help reduce dental problems that commonly occur during pregnancy.

We would love to help you take care of your oral health during such an exciting time!  Call John Street Dental on 07 3284 4281 or Book Online