Be sure to check out the ADA’s new website Mouth Healthy for a wealth of important dental info.
Today I wanted to highlight a bit about the need for dental health in pregnant women. (Not that dental health isn’t important for everyone, but there are special circumstances to take into account when carrying a child.)
Here are some tips and things of note:
- Brush thoroughly with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- Floss between your teeth daily.
- Purchase products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Eat a balanced diet. If you snack, do so in moderation.
- Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and check-up.
- If you need help controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
- If you have morning sickness and are vomiting frequently, try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water. If possible, avoid tooth brushing directly after vomiting when stomach acids repeatedly come into contact with teeth, the effects of erosion can eventually cause tooth enamel to wear away.
Again, most of these are great to follow for anyone, but if you’re carrying a baby, you want to be extra certain to pass on your dental health to them.
If you’re pregnant and have any questions, don’t hesitate to call your dentist.
