What does Oral Hygiene and Pregnancey have to do with one another?
While Pregnancy can be a very exciting time in your life there are a lot of different changes taking place in your body and in your mouth as well. Good oral hygiene is very important during pregnancy because of the increase in hormone levels that can cause dental problems to be intensified.
During pregnancy one of the most common dental issues is a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. This is a condition that usually occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. The symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis usually include bleeding, red, tender and swollen gums.
Maintaining good oral health could also be very important to your unborn baby. Some research has suggested that the serious stage of gum disease know as periodontitis, could cause premature birth and low birth weight.
The following tips can help you achieve and maintain good oral health throughout your pregnancy.
* Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. This is the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.
* Brush your teeth properly at leat two times per day to remove plaque, focusing on the gumline.
* Floss your teeth daily. Flossing will remove food and debris from in between the teeth reaching areas that a toothbrush will not reach.
* Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help prevent gingivitis.
* Brush or scrape your tounge daily to help remove bacteria. Tongue scrapers can be found near the toothbrushes in your local drug store.
* Eat nutritious meals and healthy snacks. Remember that foods like cereal and crackers are carbohydrates and turn to sugar...that means more risk for cavities so at least rinse with water after eating these foods!
You now have the information to protect your oral health so sit back, relax and enjoy this special time in your life.
(Lynne, your hygienest at ENVISION Dental would love to help you achieve your optimum oral health).
