It is an amazing experience to be pregnant and about to give birth to a child. However, being pregnant entails a great amount of stress and responsibility. Many gynecologists do not guide their patients about oral health care during pregnancy. Hence that is why most women have no idea how important dental health is during this period and after delivery. There are many myths about the safety of dental treatments while a baby is being carried in a womb. Because of this most mothers tend to shy away from dental hygiene during pregnancy. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is one of those responsibilities that should never be disregarded. A pregnant lady should visit the dentist for standard checkups on a regular basis.
When calling your dentist to schedule an appointment it is important to inform them what month you are in during your pregnancy. There is a possibility that your treatment might get postponed at the recommendation of your dentist or physician. Let your dentist know if any of your prescriptions have changed or you’ve received specific advice from your doctor.
At Smiles of Round Lake, we like to educate our patients on all aspects of dentistry while providing excellent dental care. Below is a list of oral care recommendations for pregnant women.
Tips for maintaining a healthy mouth during your pregnancy
Brushing – It is important to at least brush your teeth twice a day for good dental health. Make sure that you are using ADA accepted toothpaste while bruising.
Flossing – It is important to floss frequently to get the food particles out of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. You might want to look into a Waterpik if it is too hard to use regular floss.
Products with ADA Seal of Acceptance – It is important that you purchase products that have the ADA Seal of acceptance label on it. These products have been tested.
Healthy Diet – It is important to limit sugary foods. There are bacteria in sugar that will proliferate in your mouth when eating. You will want to consume more fruits and vegetables in your regular diet.
Plaque – Your dentist might recommend rinsing at night with an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help with controlling plaque.
During pregnancy, oral and dental care requires more attention. Although it is important for everybody, an expectant mother needs to protect herself and the health of the fetus. Remember, neglecting dental health will not only cause problems such as tooth decay but may also cause problems such as premature birth & low birth weight infants. Please contact Smiles of Roundlake at 847-546-1542 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.