The nine months spent carrying your baby can be one of the most joyous times in your life. You may find yourself focusing so much on getting everything you need for when your little one arrives that you forget to take proper care of yourself. While you’re likely following your doctor’s orders, are you staying on top of your oral health? Read on to find out how your smile during pregnancy can ultimately impact your baby.
What Kind of Problems Can Occur During Pregnancy?
There are a lot of changes occurring throughout your body while pregnant, many of which are to be expected. One thing you may not realize is how these nine months can take a toll on your tooth and gum health. This often happens because:
- You may neglect your nighttime brushing and flossing routine because of how tired you are.
- The hormonal changes your body is experiencing can increase your risk of gingivitis, resulting in bleeding and swollen gums.
- You may find yourself snacking throughout the day, which opens the door to harmful bacteria accumulating in your mouth.
- If you struggle with morning sickness, your stomach acid can begin to erode the enamel of your teeth.
Why Does a Mother’s Oral Health Matter?
Your baby relies on you as it grows and develops. What you put into your body can positively or negatively affect your little one while in the womb. When it comes to your mouth, bacteria are the key factor.
If you have an excess accumulation of bad bacteria, they can enter the bloodstream and reach your uterus, causing premature labor. As a result, once your baby arrives, they are more likely to have a higher number of harmful bacteria already in their mouth.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Baby & Your Smile?
Although the idea of premature labor sounds scary, there are things you can do to protect your oral health and your growing baby, including:
- Sticking to your morning and nighttime oral hygiene routine. Brush twice daily for two minutes, floss at least once, and rinse accordingly with a dentist-approved mouthwash.
- Keeping your dental checkup and cleaning visits with your dentist to ensure your teeth, gums, and oral structures appear healthy.
- Adopting a healthy diet that is full of nutrient-rich foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, calcium-enriched dairy products, and leafy greens.
- Rinsing out your mouth after dealing with the effects of morning sickness to prevent stomach acid from remaining on your teeth.
Don’t let your pregnancy take a negative toll on your oral health. By staying on top of your dental hygiene and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, you can continue to smile confidently as you await the arrival of your little one.
About the Author
Dr. Layne Benzley is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree from the University of Iowa. Offering high-quality dental care to young smiles for more than a decade, he and his team at Castle Rock Smiles are eager to help parents and their little ones adopt healthy hygiene habits from an early age. Contact us at (303) 660-5373 to schedule an appointment to discuss infant oral care.