Dental care is important for every individual, particularly so for women who are expecting. Here are the top oral health care tips for moms-to-be from our Calgary dentist.
Looking after your teeth and gums is crucial to ensure that your mouth stays healthy and to help you avoid certain dental issues. Visiting your Calgary dentist for regular teeth cleanings and checkups is therefore important to prevent:
- tooth decay
- tooth loss
- gum disease
- oral cancer
Affordable & Professional Family Dentist in Calgary
At Marlborough Dental Centre, we strive to provide outstanding care to our Calgary patients of all ages. Our dentists and hygienists are qualified to and love working with, families from parents to grandparents and children.
Whatever the oral needs of your family, we offer a wide range of dental services from teeth cleanings and fillings to Invisalign and sedation dentistry to ensure the beauty of your smile and long-term health of your teeth and gums.
Top 4 Oral Health Care Tips For Mothers-To-Be
Although pregnancy can bring a lot of joy to your life, if also comes with many responsibilities, including staying on top of your general and oral health. The increased hormones may actually make it more difficult for your body to fight plaque and increase your risk of developing gum disease.
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, then it’s important to pay attention to the following tips:
1. Schedule Regular Visits to Your Dentist
When you’re pregnant, it’s even more important to visit your Calgary dentist regularly. Dental exams are important for mothers-to-be because they allow your oral healthcare professional to monitor your dental health and make recommendations, including dietary changes, in order to boost your and your baby’s oral health.
Prior to undergoing any dental treatments, make sure to tell your dentist:
- how far along you are in your pregnancy
- about any medications you’re taking
- whether you have any pre-existing health conditions
Depending on this information, your dentist can help you make the best and safest decisions when it comes to dental treatments and your oral health.
2. Keep an Eye On Changes In Your Mouth
The changes in hormones during pregnancy can affect a woman’s oral health. In fact, due to hormone fluctuations, women are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, which in turn can lead to a greater chance of experiencing premature labor and giving birth to an underweight baby.
Remember to keep an eye on any changes happening in your mouth and book an appointment with your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- tender Gums
- frequently Bleeding Gums
- inflamed Gums
Everyone should visit the dentist every six months. However, depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend you get a routine exam sooner than that.
3. Rinse After Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common early symptom of pregnancy. Unfortunately, the stomach acid can erode enamel, weakening tooth structure. Brushing straight after vomiting can increase the chances of this happening, so try to wait an hour before brushing your teeth.
What to do instead
- if the inside of your mouth feels uncomfortable after morning sickness, rinse it out with a non-acidic, alcohol-free mouthwash, or at least water.
- you can also try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to minimize the effects of morning sickness on your teeth.
4. Be Careful With Your Diet
Sticking to a healthy, balanced diet is essential for maintaining good oral health, but never more so than when you’re pregnant. Remember: what you eat affects your baby’s health.
While you’re expecting, try to:
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Limit sweet or starchy foods.
Sweet or starchy snacks can cause ‘acid attacks’ on your teeth. Drink fewer sugary drinks and eat fewer sweets as they can increase your risk of developing cavities.
-
Eat foods high in calcium.
Calcium is important for the development of your baby’s teeth and bones so try to incorporate more milk, cheese, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables into your diet, as they’re all great sources of calcium.
Best Foods For Children's Oral Health
Call Today
To find out more about our Calgary dentistry services including teeth cleanings and checkups, and how our dental team can help keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy, contact our clinic at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
