Healthy Dental Habits for pregnant women

Healthy Dental Habits to Practice During Pregnancy

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: July 14, 2022

FACT CHECKED

Oral health care is necessary for pregnancy, but almost every pregnant woman avoids and misunderstands it. The risk of having gum disease increases because the body undergoes a hormonal change. If dental care during pregnancy is ignored, it might badly affect the health of a developing baby. Women are motivated to make more healthy changes within themselves while being pregnant. The dentists or physicians help address maternal oral issues and reduce the risk of birth.

Major Practices and Dental Habits During Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with great responsibilities. The way you carry dental habits during pregnancy is not an exception. While pregnant, women can visit their dentist and have routine dental checkups. But the dentist should be aware of your pregnancy, which month is going on and more.

Mentioned below are some tips on how pregnancy and oral health should be carried out hand in hand easily.

Brushing the teeth properly

Pregnancy and oral health should be maintained simultaneously in a perfect way. For good oral health, brushing your teeth properly is essential. Some studies found that not brushing the teeth properly is almost equivalent to not brushing at all. Therefore, brushing the teeth is necessary. Otherwise, it can lead to several problems and affect the developing baby. If not brushed properly, the plaque can harden, leading to gum diseases. Thus, brushing twice in circular motions and in a gentle way is essential.

Using the toothpaste with fluoride

The toothpaste is not only used based on flavours and whitening teeth. There are several other factors to look for while purchasing toothpaste. It should have fluoride, no matter which brand or how expensive toothpaste you use. Fluoride is the main ingredient in toothpaste, and it ensures good dental care during pregnancy. It helps in protecting the teeth from getting decayed. It fights germs and provides a layer of protection for the teeth.

Consider the usage of mouthwash

Many pregnant women do not use mouthwash because they don’t know if it works. But the mouthwash helps clean the areas that are hard to reach with the brush, reduce the amount of acid present in the mouth, and remineralise the teeth. Using them should be one of the usual dental habits during pregnancy. The women can also get recommendations about the best mouthwash from their dentist.

Drinking plenty of water

Water is the best beverage for overall pregnancy and oral health. During pregnancy, women should never remain dehydrated. They must drink more water, especially after every meal. Drinking plenty of water also helps in maintaining good oral health. It helps wash out the unwanted effects of acidic and sticky beverages and foods. It is necessary to wash them off, as they may lead to some gum diseases, which can also affect the baby’s development.

Intake more crunchy fruits and vegetables

Eating more ready-to-eat foods is not convenient in the case of teeth. Consuming crunchy and fresh fruits or vegetables is best for the teeth of pregnant women, and it contains more healthy fibre. The jaws will do their work properly and lead to healthy oral habits.

Consume a limited amount of sugary and acidic foods

The sugary foods ultimately get converted into acids in the mouth. These acids spoil the enamel of the teeth and lead to tooth decay and cavities. Dental care during pregnancy is very important, and hence pregnant women should consume sugary and acidic foods in a limited amount only. The acidic fruits, coffee and tea, wear down to the enamel. But it doesn’t mean leaving such foods, and they should be consumed in a balanced amount.

Informing the dentist about pregnancy

It would be best to inform your dentist or dental doctor about the pregnancy. Women can have their routine dental procedures and checkups anytime. But the dentists usually postpone all the elective dental processes until the baby’s delivery. Women should always check if there is any obstetrician to look for and have any special preferred instructions or precautions before making a dental appointment.

Informing the dentist about the medications

While visiting the dentist, women must discuss the name of drugs and medicines they are consuming. They should inform the dentist about prenatal vitamins and medications prescribed by the doctor. The dentist should also be aware of the doctors’ special medical advice given to you. This information is important, and the dentist might alter the dental treatment plan based on it.

The Bottom Line

Everyday habits are significant to the overall pregnancy and oral health. Pregnant women can visit the dentist if they face any issue with their oral health, including tooth decay, cavities, gum diseases, etc. The dentist at Clove Dental can help figure out the potential problems and provides proper treatments or solutions. To solve the dental issues, visit the website or consult a dentist at Clove Dental, a dental clinic near you.