Some great tips.
I had near constant morning sickness that was beginning to discolour and weaken my teeth and I'm not alone in having teeth related trouble during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, about half of women experience pregnancy gingivitis. This results in the gums bleeding, becoming red and swollen from inflammation and can be caused by changing hormones during pregnancy.
So how can we best look after our smiles during pregnancy?
We asked dentists Dr Lisa and Dr Vanessa Creaven their advice and these are their eight top tips for looking after your teeth during pregnancy:
1- Schedule a Dental Visit ASAP
Schedule an appointment with your hygienist as soon as you discover that you are pregnant.
During this appointment, ensure your teeth are deep cleaned and you gain some advice on your oral care journey during pregnancy. Additionally, make sure to visit your dentist regularly throughout your pregnancy for check-ups.
2- Choose An Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Throughout your pregnancy, use an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash.
Alcohol is not an ideal ingredient to rinse with every day while pregnant. This is due to it being carcinogenic and also very drying on your oral tissues.
3- Rinse Regularly
If you are suffering from morning sickness at any point during your pregnancy, ensure you rinse your mouth with water each time after vomiting.
This can help to avoid acid damaging your teeth. It is also recommended to wait an hour after vomiting to brush your teeth. Your teeth may be softened from the acid in your stomach, and waiting an hour will reduce damage.
4- Floss Daily
Ensure to floss daily to avoid food and plaque build-up between the teeth and the gums.
Flossing plays a pivotal role in good oral health and overall health, particularly when pregnant.
50 per cent of the fillings a person receives in their lifetime start between the teeth at the point where the toothbrush can’t reach. This is the reason that flossing down into the debris between the teeth is so important.
5- Feel Confident in Your Smile
What many women don’t know is that you can continue to use many whitening toothpastes when pregnant.
Spotlight’s whitening toothpaste contains fluoride which will help prevent tooth decay, and is suitable for pregnant women.
However, they do not recommend using whitening strips during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
