During pregnancy you may get gums problems - they may become more tender and bleed. Gently brush your gums when you brush your teeth. It is possible that poor dental health may be linked to premature birth so keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important.
- It is important to care for your teeth and gums before pregnancy.
- Brush your teeth and along the gum-line twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Visit your dentist,It may be more comfortable for you to have any dental treatment before pregnancy. You may have morning sickness or become tired as your pregnancy progresses.
- Now that you are Pregnant
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, it is important to tell your dental professional when you visit.
- During your pregnancy, ask your dental professional to check your gums and tell you how to care for them.
- During your pregnancy, ask your dental professional to check your gums and tell you how to care for them.
You may get morning sickness or gastric reflux (heartburn).
- The stomach contents are acidic and can coat the teeth when you vomit. This acid can cause dental erosion and increase the risk of tooth decay by dissolving tooth enamel.
- Don't brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after vomiting or reflux. This will give the enamel time to recover from the acid attack.
- Instead, rinse your mouth with water after you vomit to help wash the acid away.
- Smear some fluoride toothpaste on your teeth to refresh your mouth and help strengthen enamel.
- Some pregnant women find they gag while brushing their teeth. If brushing makes you feel sick try using a soft small headed toothbrush designed for children and brush later in the morning when you may not gag as much. Concentrate on your breathing as you clean your back teeth.
- Brushing without toothpaste may help. Then smear fluoride toothpaste over your teeth after brushing and don’t rinse it off. Return to brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as possible.
- Fluoride strengthens the teeth and helps to prevent decay.
- Fluoride in toothpaste or water does not harm a developing baby.
- Calcium is very important for your baby's teeth and bones.
- Frequent sugary or acidic snacks and drinks (such as orange juice) increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion.
- Choose a wide variety of snacks which are low in sugar, fat and salt, and high in fibre.
- From four months your baby's teeth and bones begin to calcify. The calcium and phosphorus needed comes from what you eat, and if necessary from your bones. These minerals do not come from your teeth.
- From four months your baby's teeth and bones begin to calcify. The calcium and phosphorus needed comes from what you eat, and if necessary from your bones. These minerals do not come from your teeth.These minerals are best obtained by you eating dairy foods.Milk and milk products are excellent sources of calcium. Choose those that are low in fat and sugar.If you don't drink milk or eat dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, choose other products that are high in calcium (such as soy milk with added calcium). See your doctor or a dietician for advice. They may recommend calcium tablets.The recommended daily intake of calcium for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman over the age of 18 is 1000mg. The recommended daily intake of calcium for teenagers who are pregnant or breastfeeding is between 1000mg - 1300mg.
Dental treatments like tooth extraction, RCT, dental X-RAY should be avoided during pregnancy