| How
does pregnancy affect my teeth and gums? |
| How
does gum disease develop? |
| How
do I know if I have gum disease? |
| Am
I also at a greater risk for tooth decay? |
| How
can I avoid tooth decay and gum disease? |
| Should
I tell my dentist that I’m pregnant? |
| When
do my baby’s teeth start developing? |
| How
should I care for my infant’s teeth and gums?
|
| |
| When you’re pregnant,
what you do to take care of your own health, including
your oral health, affects the health of your developing
baby. In addition, hormonal changes in your body
during pregnancy can increase your chances of developing
gum disease.
So while you are pregnant, it is especially important
to practice good oral hygiene, which means brushing
and flossing every day, eating a healthy, balanced
diet and continuing to make regular dental visits.
|
|
| How
does pregnancy affect my teeth and gums? |
| Pregnancy
causes hormonal fluctuations that increase your
risk for gingivitis.
The changing hormone levels in your body can make
your gums more sensitive to harmful plaque—the
colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly
forms on teeth. Furthermore, if you already have
signs of gum disease, being pregnant may make it
worse. This is why it’s vital to pay more
careful attention to your daily brushing and flossing
routine to keep plaque under control. |
|
| How
does gum disease develop? |
Plaque
is one of the main causes of gum disease. If plaque
is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it
will accumulate on the teeth and below the gumline,
which can lead to gingivitis—the first stage
of gum disease.
If ignored, gingivitis can progress to a more serious
form of gum disease called periodontitis,
in which the gums and bones that support your teeth
and keep them in place are permanently damaged. |
|
| How
do I know if I have gum disease? |
|
As many as 70% of women
have some form of gum disease during pregnancy,
so watch out for these warning signs: |
| |
 |
Your
gums are tender, swollen, or red |
|
Your
gums bleed when you brush or floss |
|
You
can’t get rid of bad breath or a bad
taste in your mouth |
|
|
| Am I also
at a greater risk for tooth decay? |
| Yes. Sugary food cravings
and morning sickness may make you more vulnerable
to developing cavities. |
|
| How can
I avoid tooth decay and gum disease? |
| Here is a checklist for
keeping your teeth and gums properly cleaned: |
| |
|
Brush
thoroughly at least twice a day, preferably
in the morning and before bed.("What
is the best way to brush my teeth?”) |
|
Use
a good quality, soft-bristled toothbrush.
|
|
Take
your time. You should spend at least two minutes
brushing to remove the plaque that is constantly
forming on your teeth. |
|
Use
toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride
is proven to help prevent cavities. |
|
Clean
between teeth daily. Use floss or other interdental
cleaners to remove plaque from areas that
your toothbrush can’t reach.(“How
should I floss?”) |
|
Eat
a healthy balanced diet, rich in calcium –
these are especially good for developing teeth
and bones. |
|
Avoid
frequent sugary snacks. |
|
Continue
to visit your dentist and hygienist for regular
checkups. |
|
|
| Should
I tell my dentist that I’m pregnant? |
| As soon as you believe
that you are pregnant, tell your dentist because
it may not be safe to have x-rays during pregnancy.
You should also let your dentist know if you are
trying to get pregnant: knowing this can help in
planning x-rays or other treatments. Tell your dentist
what medicines you are taking and if your physician
has given you any specific medical advice, as it
may affect the treatment given. |
|
| When do
my baby’s teeth start developing? |
| Your baby’s first
teeth will begin to develop about three months into
your pregnancy. The healthier your diet is, the
greater the likelihood that your baby’s teeth
and gums will be healthy too. |
|
| How should
I care for my infant’s teeth and gums? |
|
Even
before your baby’s first tooth appears,
you should be cleaning his or her mouth after
feeding. Use a damp washcloth or piece of
gauze to wipe the gums – this will remove
any plaque that has formed. |
|
You
should start brushing your baby’s teeth
with a soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as
the first one appears. The Oral-B
Stage 1 toothbrush is ideal for babies'
first teeth and gums. |
|
Take
your baby to the dentist sometime between
the arrival of the first tooth and his or
her first birthday. At this time, the dentist
will check your child’s teeth, gums
and jaw for any problems and show you the
right way to clean and care for your child’s
teeth. |
|
| |
