31 Oct Oral Care Tips for Mums to Be

While many expectant mothers choose to skip on regular dental examinations and often become less focused on their oral hygiene during pregnancy, both have proven to be highly important. One of the motivators behind this poor dental regime is the myth that some dental treatments and their associated medications can be harmful to the unborn child. In the following article,we will take a closer look at these myths and in particular how poor oral hygiene has been linked to health risks for the fetus.

The bad news about poor oral hygiene and pregnancy

One of the things that the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the American Academy of Paediatrics all agree on is that poor oral hygiene and dental health can actually be harmful to the unborn child. Their official recommendation is that pregnant women should ensure correct dental treatment and maintain oral hygiene throughout the pregnancy. Hormones have a large part to play in female oral hygiene and they increase when carrying a child. It is widely accepted that poor oral health is linked to these hormonal changes and it, therefore, follows that treatment should be maintained.

There is further strong evidence suggesting that poor oral health could contribute towards premature labour and low weight babies. Existing oral conditions in mothers havealso been seen to be passed onto the child during the pregnancy through the bloodstream.

So what about those oral care tips?

So here is the good news concerning how expectant mothers can help themselves and their unborn child to better oral health.

Education and understanding

First and foremost, mothers should ensure that they are aware of and understand how correct oral health care both personally and at the dentist can reduce health and premature birth risks to their child. Most paediatric practitioners and dental health professionals will be able to advise and provide printed information that is relevant to oral health during pregnancy.

Continuing with correct oral health care

Flossing daily and brushing the gums and teeth twice a day with a fluoride-basedtoothpaste will provide for healthier gums and teeth. Morning sickness vomiting can be a contributing factor towards decay and infection during pregnancy. A natural treatment is rinsing with one teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a cup of water. It’s important, however, not to brush for a least one hour following this rinsing as to do so can accelerate the effects of dental erosion.

Being mindful of what you eat

Not only are you “what you eat” but during pregnancy, your unborn child is too. Everything you eat will be contributing towards the nutrition and development of your unborn child. Avoiding sugars and acidic foods is a no-brainer as is drinking plenty of water and consuming calcium-richfoods. Sticking with a healthy nutritional regime will not only promote better oral and personal health, but you will alsobe doing the best for your baby at the same time too.

Staying friendly with your dentist

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to keep up-to-date with your professional dental care including cleaning and regular check-ups. Due to the hormonal changes in your body and the benefits of correct oral health to your unborn child, you should never consider postponing dental appointments until after the birth of your baby. It is always good to keep in mind that through maintaining correct and regular oral hygiene you will be acting in the best interest of your child.

If you are concerned about oralcare and dental surgeries during pregnancy or you just need a helpful and friendly dentist you should contact the caring team at Signal Hill Dental Centre right now!