Taking Care of Your Teeth During Pregnancy

Taking Care of Your Teeth During Pregnancy

When you fail to take care of your teeth, you leave yourself vulnerable to infections that can spread to the rest of your body. This is something you should always avoid, but it’s even more important if you’re carrying a child. See your dentist and keep reading for tips on taking care of your teeth during pregnancy.
Brushing and Flossing
It might never be more important to practice proper dental hygiene than when you’re expecting. Bad oral health leads to infection, which can spread through your body and potentially even to your child. As busy as you might be, always find time to take care of your teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice every day, and floss between your crowns as well. Make sure to get under the gum line to remove harmful bacteria, and finish with mouthwash. You should also go in and see your dentist at least twice per year.
Avoiding Dry Mouth
You need your saliva to flush out food particles that stick around after you finish your meal. Dry mouth, which is also known as xerostomia, allows food debris, bacteria, and acids to cling to your teeth. This increases your risk for decay by exposing your enamel to contaminants. Unfortunately, dry mouth is a common symptom of pregnancy, so bring it up with your dentist to find solutions.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease starts out as gingivitis, but it can progress to periodontitis if you don’t act. The last thing you want is an infection if you’re pregnant, so you should do your best to steer clear of gum disease. Do this by sticking to your dental hygiene routine and making regular dental appointments.
It’s still important to see the dentist in Tucson, even when you’re pregnant. You can always call John Carson, DDS at (520) 514-7203 to find out how our dentistry services can help you, or look through our website to see what we can do.