Contents:
Medical Video: Pregnancy Tips: How to Take Care of Your Teeth
Some women experience swelling and gum pain, which may bleed, while pregnant. Gum bleeding is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the gums more susceptible to plaque, resulting in inflammation and bleeding, also called gum inflammation or pregnancy gum disease. Dentists can help you overcome this problem.
Keep teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy
It is important to maintain the cleanliness and health of the teeth and gums as much as possible while pregnant. The best way to prevent or overcome gum problems is to maintain good dental hygiene. Go to the dentist so they can clean your teeth thoroughly and give some advice on how to keep your teeth clean at home.
Here's how to maintain teeth and gums:
- Clean your teeth carefully 2 times a day for 2 minutes. Ask the dentist to find out the method of brushing your teeth to remove plaque.
- Brush your teeth best with a small-headed toothbrush with soft filaments. Make sure it's comfortable to hold.
- Avoid drinking sugary drinks (for example soft drinks or sweet tea) and sugary foods too often. Try eating this food occasionally.
- If you are hungry while eating, eat vegetables and avoid sugary or sour foods.
- Avoid mouthwash containing alcohol.
- Stop smoking, because it can aggravate gum disease.
- If you experience morning sickness and vomiting, rinse with water. This will help prevent the acid in the vomit from attacking the teeth. Do not immediately brush your teeth, because the teeth will be softened by acid in the stomach. Wait for about 1 hour before brushing your teeth.
Dental care that must be avoided during pregnancy
Discuss with the dentist whether new dental fillings or replacements should be delayed until after the baby is born. Patching amalgam should not be revoked during pregnancy.
If you need a dental X-ray, the dentist will usually wait until you have a baby, even though most dental X-rays do not affect the abdominal or pelvic area. Make sure the dentist knows that you are pregnant.
