Pregnancy And Dental Hygiene

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

As hormones change during pregnancy much of the body will change as well, and this is no different for the gums and mouth. Not only do hormonal changes increase the likelihood of gum disease and bleeding, morning sickness also increases the acid levels in the mouth which can increase the rate of tooth decay and cause cavities and weakened enamel.

Brushing And Flossing During Pregnancy

To properly care for teeth during pregnancy a normal oral hygiene routine is usually good enough. Continue to brush twice a day and floss daily.  

It may also be recommended to increase tooth brushing when morning sickness occurs as the acid can cause damage to the teeth. Rinsing with a mouthwash - or at a minimum water - will help to rinse the acid away from the teeth and prevent cavities from forming.

Dental Check-Ups During Pregnancy

Most dental care can be provided during pregnancy. Regular check-ups should be continued during the entire pregnancy, and most dental procedures – including X-rays - can proceed as necessary, though cosmetic procedures should be postponed until after the birth.  

Any gum bleeding should be addressed soon after the birth, and can be checked during pregnancy as well to be sure there are no infections forming. As the baby begins to develop teeth a few months into the pregnancy it is important to maintain a healthy diet that will provide all the nutrients for the baby to grow healthy.

Foods To Eat During Pregnancy

It is recommended to eat dairy specifically, as milk, yogurt, and cheeses all have the nutrients necessary to provide healthy teeth, which is beneficial both for the mother’s teeth as well as providing what the baby needs to develop healthy teeth.

Foods that are high in added sugar, as well as foods that are sticky or gummy, can increase the risk of tooth decay. These foods should be avoided for the most part, and only eaten in limited amounts, preferably where it is possible to brush teeth afterwards.

Choose healthy foods when possible, and snack on foods that are not as damaging to teeth such as vegetables or cheese and crackers. A balanced diet will not only maintain the dental health of the mother throughout pregnancy but also help with overall health and the growth and development of the unborn baby.

While many things change during pregnancy - and hormones can make the gums and teeth more sensitive - much of the regular dental hygiene routine remains the same. It is safe to have regular care during pregnancy as well as any emergency procedures that are needed.

There should be extra care taken to not eat sugary foods and to rinse or brush teeth after any morning sickness, no matter the time of day it occurs.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash