The human body changes when a woman is pregnant. Pregnant women need to take care of their bodies to make sure their baby is healthy. However, many pregnant women forget about the importance of protecting their oral health. In reality, if pregnant women don’t care for their teeth well, they could experience a number of potentially serious issues.
For example, did you know that if you have gum disease, you’re actually more likely to give birth prematurely? This is an incredibly serious issue, but did you also know that you could be more vulnerable to developing gum disease while you’re pregnant? You see, while you’re pregnant your body will produce more estrogen and progesterone, while cause different reactions to plaque.
Pregnant women are also more prone to enamel damage and cavities, partially because morning sickness increases the acidity in the mouth. Please note that brushing your teeth right after vomiting may actually be more harmful than helpful. Because acidity can weaken enamel, brushing may damage your enamel further. We recommend waiting about 30 minutes before brushing. You may also want to consider swishing your mouth with water to reduce the acidity.
You should, of course, remember to brush and floss daily. Eating a healthy diet can also help you keep your mouth healthy. We also recommend scheduling an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Albert Mendez, at the beginning of your pregnancy. If you’re interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to contact Mendez Family Dental at 620-231-6070. We’re eager to hear from you.