Hey there, Mom-to-be! Congratulations on the great news of your pregnancy! As you get ready to welcome your little one, taking care of your overall health, including your oral health, is essential. Don’t overlook the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene during pregnancy. As it can impact not only your own well-being but also that of your baby. Below are some easy-to-follow tips to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your pregnancy journey.
Embrace Your Toothbrush:
Let’s start with the basics-brushing your teeth. It’s a simple yet powerful habit that you should maintain at least twice a day, especially during pregnancy. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and circular motions to clean all parts of your teeth. Remember, it’s not about the force but the consistency and thoroughness of your brushing.
Flossing is Your Friend:
Even though brushing is an excellent habit, it cannot get between your teeth, where food enters and takes temporary residence along with a plaque. It’s under this brushing role that flossing becomes necessary. Floss as part of your daily routine to get rid of food and bacteria. Floss daily between your teeth to get rid of the buildup of plaque, as well.
Snack Wisely:
Pregnancy allows for the development of some strong cravings; you must select healthier snacking choices like fruits, veggies and yogurt to counter the sweets around you at all times. Besides, these eating options are nutritious for your body in addition to proper dental health, hence a lesser probability of cavities or gum disease.
Stay Hydrated with Water:
Water is a true friend of your mouth. It incorporates the washing out of food particles and bacteria, which will keep your mouth tidy and hydrated. In addition to that, it does not contain sugar, and thus, it can not be concluded that it will cause tooth decay as opposed to sugary drinks.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups:
Remember to take time for your visits even while you are pregnant. Not surprisingly, this is a very relevant tip throughout the whole period of pregnancy. Don’t forget to tell your dentist that you are pregnant, and they will most likely use alternative techniques to provide you with an optimal comfort level and safety measures.
Kick the Tobacco Habit:
Smoking and snapping tobacco are very dangerous for you as well as for your unborn baby. It can cause the formation of caries, periodontal diseases, and other oral health issue.
Combat Morning Sickness:
Pregnant women often deal with nausea, but oral hygiene can be impacted because the mouth is more acidic, owing to morning sickness. If you happen to suffer from morning sickness, proceed to rinse off your mouth with some water or tartar-fighting mouthwash afterwards to balance acids and safeguard your teeth from decay.
When it comes to taking care of your oral health during pregnancy, you should remember that it’s not just about looking good! More importantly, it’s about ensuring your overall health and well-being, as well as setting the stage for a healthy start for your little one. So, it’s crucial to keep up with these simple yet essential oral hygiene habits. This will ensure a happy, healthy pregnancy journey for you and your baby.