Professional dental care in Whitby is important throughout life, but especially during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, below are some points to remember.
- Book an Appointment to Come and See Us
Ideally, it’s a great idea to have a dental checkup when you are considering having a baby. This allows us to assess your dental health and ensure that your teeth and gums are in good shape. If you require any dental treatment, we can complete it before you become pregnant.
However, we know it’s not always possible to see a dentist before pregnancy, so we advise that you make an appointment as soon as you learn the news and ensure we are aware that you are pregnant or that it is a possibility.
- Look after Your Oral Health
While pregnant, it’s especially important to take care of your dental health, which may be affected by food cravings and morning sickness during this time. You may find you crave certain foods that are less healthy and which can increase your risk of cavities. Taking care of your teeth and gums can help reduce these risks.
Stick to a routine of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Many Dental Treatments Are Safe during Pregnancy
There are still many dental treatments that are safe to receive during pregnancy, and we can devise a custom treatment plan to help you maintain good oral health while pregnant.
If you develop dental problems, such as a toothache, book an appointment with us promptly. We can make sure any treatment we prescribe is safe for you and your baby. It can be far more harmful to leave an untreated dental problem during pregnancy.
- Coping with Nausea
Feeling nauseous is a common problem. If you are experiencing nausea, you may find it beneficial to opt for a neutral or bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy.
After being sick, rinse your mouth with water, or try mixing a little baking soda and water to swish around your mouth. The baking soda helps neutralize stomach acids, reducing damage to your teeth.
Ideally, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth, as this will give acidity levels a chance to return to normal.
If you’re experiencing nausea and sickness, it’s a great idea to pack a small travel dental kit, including a bottle of water, so you can freshen up wherever you are.
- Your Gum Health May Change
Hormonal changes also affect your gums, making them more sensitive to dental plaque. Consequently, they can become swollen, red and may begin to bleed. This is a condition called pregnancy gingivitis in Oshawa and will normally clear up after the baby is born.
However, maintaining good oral health and removing dental plaque regularly will help fight this condition and prevent it from worsening. We may also suggest that you have regular dental cleanings in Ajax more frequently. Removing plaque and tartar more often will help maintain good gum health.
If you already have gum disease before pregnancy, it’s vital to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. Gum disease has been linked to low birthweight babies and premature birth. We can devise a custom preventive dental care plan for you during pregnancy to minimize these risks.
- Don’t Forget to Book Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Once your baby is born, don’t forget to bring them to see us after they get their first few teeth. We welcome children and would love to help your baby grow up with a healthy, confident smile.