Expecting a Bundle of Joy? Don’t Let it Lead to a Bundle of Dental Problems!
Are you or a loved one expecting a new bundle of joy within the next few months? There are not many life events more exciting than adding a baby to the family. Pregnancy and preparing for a baby mean plenty of activity, such as multiple doctor visits, ultrasound appointments, completing a baby registry, and designing a nursery. All of this preparation for a baby can sometimes cause expectant mothers to put their own needs aside. Unfortunately, this can include dental care. Expectant mothers are safe to visit the dentist for their hygiene examinations. In fact, we recommend pregnant women be extra diligent with their oral care, as pregnancy can lead to gum disease and an increase in tooth decay.
What Causes Oral Health to Decline During Pregnancy?
While pregnancy can be a magical time, it is also a time full of changing hormones, aversions to certain foods, and possible nausea. Dealing with morning sickness or food aversions can cause expectant mothers to snack throughout the day, drink carbonated beverages such as ginger ale, or even vomit frequently. These factors can all contribute to dental decay.
Pregnancy exhaustion can also lead to a lack of oral care. After a long day it can be tempting to forgo brushing or flossing regularly. This can lead to an increase of bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis, or gum disease.
Tips to Maintain Proper Oral Health
We know that it can be difficult to keep your oral health in great shape when you might not be feeling the best. There are actions you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible:
- Visit our office at the beginning of your pregnancy or when planning to become pregnant
- Be sure to brush and floss often if you eat between meals
- Floss daily to help with gum disease
- Increase your calcium intake
If you are pregnant or thinking of adding to your family in the near future, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for a hygiene examination. We look forward to seeing you in our office located in Burton, MI soon.
