Every Dentist Needs Your Help Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

There are different times in life when you should take extra-good care of your teeth – when you're first growing in permanent teeth, if you have braces, before wedding pictures – but did you know that pregnancy is one of those times? Your dental health can often be overlooked with the massive amount of checkups and worries that pregnancy naturally brings, but there are a few things you should watch out for, both for your sake and for your infant's. If you're wondering what dental health issues become bigger during pregnancy, then here's what you need to know.

Check for Gum Disease

Gum disease, or gingivitis, can be a real problem during your pregnancy. With your gums become diseased, the blood vessels are more easily permeated, and your gums swell up, causing massive discomfort and, if the blood vessels begin to bleed, can cause or make worse any nausea you may be feeling. Hormones swirling around your body during pregnancy can make gingivitis more likely to occur, so take special care of your gums. Not only does gum disease hurt your own dental health, but it can also affect your baby's overall health. Having gingivitis while pregnant can lead to both preterm labor and a low birth weight for your baby.

Rinse Your Mouth

For most women, pregnancy carries with it morning sickness, which can actually happen throughout the day, rather than in just the A.M., as the name would suggest. Morning sickness often leads to throwing up, and bile can erode enamel faster than nearly any other substance. To combat this danger to your teeth, ensure that you're rinsing with water or with mouthwash after you throw up to ensure that the bile doesn't stick around. Avoid brushing after throwing up, however, because the brush will simply help to erode the already softened enamel. If the thought of toothpaste makes your stomach turn, try using bland toothpaste rather than a minty or fruity one.

Consider Food

Yes, your baby eats what you eat – so why not beef up your dental health at the same time as taking care of your baby's? Eating foods that are high in calcium, such as milk with a higher fat content (2% is best), cheeses, and yogurts, is a good way to fill your stomach and protect your (and baby's) teeth. In the same vein, avoiding tooth-degrading food and beverages (such as full-sugar sodas or candy) will help further with keeping your dental health up to par. Contact a company like Associates For Family Dentistry for more information.