Congratulations, you are having a baby! How can you ensure you keep a healthy mouth during your pregnancy and give your child the best start in life?
As you may have noticed, your body is going through a lot of changes. The progesterone and oestrogen levels can make your gums very tender and swollen and more likely to bleed. Also you may be suffering from morning sickness and not feel like brushing your teeth. As gum disease can progress much more rapidly whilst you are pregnant, it is important to be even more vigilant in oral care whilst you are pregnant.
You may also notice your teeth are more sensitive, especially if you have morning sickness. The acid can open the pores in your teeth. It is very important after being sick to wash your mouth out with water and to not brush straight away- leave it 20 minutes for the acid to neutralise.
Most of our pregnant ladies come in 2-3 times during their pregnancy to see the dental hygienist to prevent any gum disease.
Snacking
Often your diet changes when you are pregnant, you may crave sugary snacks and eat more often. Try and keep a brush and toothpaste with you so you can brush after every time you eat.
Dentistry
It is safe to have dental care whilst you are pregnant. Local anaesthetic is the most widely given drug whilst pregnant.
We will AVOID:
- Xrays
- Antibiotics
- Silver fillings-the Mercury can cross to your baby, it may not cause harm but we prefer to be cautious. White fillings are fine.
Old Wives tales:
Drinking milk will harden your babies’ teeth. There is no evidence to say the calcium from the milk makes any difference to your baby’s teeth.
You will lose one tooth while you are pregnant. With good oral care you should not lose any teeth. It is much harder with the morning sickness and the hormonal changes but perfectly possible to have a healthy mouth throughout your pregnancy.
If you are not pregnant yet but are trying to conceive, it is important to get your mouth checked and take xrays whilst we can. There has been research connecting low birth weights in infants with gum disease so we want your mouth to be in tip top condition BEFORE you get pregnant.
Good news once you have had your children they get FREE check-ups, xrays and preventative advice whilst one or both parents are active patients at Bow Lane right up until they are 16 years old!
