Pregnancy is a special time to take extra care of your teeth and gums. During pregnancy your hormonal balance is altered and your gums become more susceptible to disease.
There is no truth in the old wife's tale that says a tooth is lost for every pregnancy. Good oral hygiene procedures will ensure that you have healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy.
Oral Health Guidelines
Plaque is largely made up of bacteria. By using antibacterial products you can help control plaque formation.
If possible dental x-rays should be avoided during pregnancy, however, if your dentist considers it essential for you to have an x-ray, special care and protection will be taken.
Before you become pregnant
It is important to establish good oral hygiene practices now so that when you become pregnant you will already have established a daily routine.
Dental plaque (bacteria) needs to be cleaned from the teeth and gum line by brushing and flossing every day. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss daily to clean between your teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. You can check how well you remove plaque by using special plaque disclosing tablets or solution. These are available from your chemist.
Visit your dentistIt may be more comfortable for you to complete any dental treatment required before pregnancy especially as you may experience nausea and vomiting or become tired as your pregnancy progresses.
There is no truth in the old wife's tale that says a tooth is lost for every pregnancy. Good oral hygiene procedures will ensure that you have healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy.
Oral Health Guidelines
Plaque is largely made up of bacteria. By using antibacterial products you can help control plaque formation.
- Visit your dentist before you become pregnant and during pregnancy to make sure your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy.
- Brush twice a day and floss thoroughly every day.
- Use a soft toothbrush and a proven antibacterial fluoride toothpaste.
- Change your toothbrush regularly.
- Eat a nutritious diet from a wide variety of foods.
- Increase your calcium intake.
- Avoid frequent snacks that contain sugar.
If possible dental x-rays should be avoided during pregnancy, however, if your dentist considers it essential for you to have an x-ray, special care and protection will be taken.
Before you become pregnant
It is important to establish good oral hygiene practices now so that when you become pregnant you will already have established a daily routine.
Dental plaque (bacteria) needs to be cleaned from the teeth and gum line by brushing and flossing every day. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss daily to clean between your teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. You can check how well you remove plaque by using special plaque disclosing tablets or solution. These are available from your chemist.
Visit your dentistIt may be more comfortable for you to complete any dental treatment required before pregnancy especially as you may experience nausea and vomiting or become tired as your pregnancy progresses.
