Six Things Every Mum Needs To Know About Oral Health And Pregnancy

While you’re pregnant, it’s important to maintain your oral health so that you don’t experience any complications with your pregnancy or the baby. With proper care and attention, however, you can easily keep your mouth healthy throughout pregnancy and give your baby all the benefits of a healthy mama! Here are six things every mum needs to know about oral health and pregnancy.

Get Checked Out Before You Get Pregnant

Before you get pregnant, it’s important to visit your dentist. Your teeth can carry bacteria that could cause infections in your mouth or even make their way into your bloodstream. In addition, certain medications are contraindicated during pregnancy; if you’re on birth control pills or antibiotics, you might want to stop taking them before conception occurs. It’s also recommended that expectant mothers avoid smoking at all costs; not only is it bad for you, but secondhand smoke is also harmful for babies. Getting a clean bill of oral health from your dentist will ensure a healthy pregnancy for both mother and child.

Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day While Pregnant

Before, during, and after a child is born, it’s important for both mums and babies to practice good dental hygiene. While pregnant, however, brushing daily is particularly important for lowering your risk of tooth decay. New research suggests that expectant mothers who brush their teeth twice a day are 20% less likely to develop caries (tooth decay) than those who only brush once a day (but don’t stop with brushing – flossing while pregnant is also essential). Further research shows that lower levels of tooth decay during pregnancy is associated with lower levels of heartburn in mothers-to-be. Finally, there are studies showing that taking care of your teeth while pregnant can improve self-esteem in mums.

The State Of Your Gums Affects Your Unborn Baby

According to a study published in BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, low gingival (gum) bleeding during pregnancy may be linked with preterm birth. This is partly because periodontal disease can cause low levels of inflammatory proteins in your blood. These proteins are essential for managing stress—and your immune system relies on them when it’s working hard to fight off pathogens, like those found in gum disease. The results of a small study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University suggest that women who have low gum bleeding early in their pregnancies are three times more likely than others to deliver prematurely.

Don’t Smoke During Pregnancy

smoking during pregnancy can affect your child’s teeth, gums, mouth, jawbone and facial features. There is no safe amount of smoking that you can do during pregnancy as it can harm your baby. Your best bet is to stop smoking altogether before you fall pregnant. That way if you do fall pregnant then there will be no effects on your baby from smoke exposure in utero.

Give Yourself A Pamper With Oral Care Products

You don’t have to be pregnant (or a mother!) to appreciate a well-manicured mouth. Brushing your teeth not only helps keep your mouth healthy, but also can be an affordable way to show yourself some self-care—especially if you’re juggling work, family, and other commitments. You can add these extra touches of self-pampering into your busy schedule by making time for daily brushing sessions. However, if you’re expecting or breastfeeding, it's important to remember that certain oral care products aren't safe during these times—and may even cause harm. Here are six things every mum needs to know about protecting her smile during pregnancy

Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned As Often As Needed

Fluoride toothpaste isn’t enough. Pregnant women should have their teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year as they may be eating more sweets, drinking more sugary beverages, and because of hormonal changes, which all increase your risk for cavities. Your dentist can detect any problems with your gums or teeth during your regular check-ups so that you get treated before they become a problem. Also keep in mind that bacteria can travel from your mouth to the placenta through amniotic fluid and cause preterm labour so make sure you are brushing properly. If possible try not drink through a straw while pregnant it is easier for bacteria to collect around them.