There are a lot of changes going on throughout the body during pregnancy. One thing that many people don’t think about is that your oral health can change too! This is why dental care during pregnancy is so important. Here is what you can do to keep yourself and baby healthy during the next nine months.

Two of the most common side effects of pregnancy include food cravings and morning sickness. These two things can significantly affect your oral health if you’re not taking proper care of your teeth. Food cravings are different for each person, but sometimes that means an increase in things like sugar. Everyone loves sugar, but we know what can happen if you eat too much of it; cavities. If your sugar intake greatly increases due to food cravings, that is not uncommon. Another symptom women feel is morning sickness. Unfortunately, the acidity in our stomach acid can damage our teeth if not properly cared for. If you are suffering from consistent morning sickness, try your best to make sure you are brushing twice daily. It’s understandable if brushing is difficult because of a gag reflex too. If this becomes increasingly difficult, consult your dentist for tips on how to combat this.

As hormones continue to change your body, they can easily affect your oral health as well. Some women develop a condition known as “ pregnancy gingivitis ” because of these hormonal changes. This is an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling, tenderness, or increased gum bleeding while flossing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your dentist. One thing about dental issues is that it’s better to take care of them sooner rather than later. You do not want these issues to continue developing, especially while pregnant. As stated before, an increase in cavities can happen based on different food cravings. This is something to look out for as well.

First and foremost, when you find out you are pregnant let your dentist know. This is important information for them to be aware of, in case they need to change any procedures or future appointments until after the baby is born. The best thing to do is to continue your dental routine as best as you can during your pregnancy. Make sure to brush your teeth twice daily and floss. Dental cleanings are a great thing for pregnant women. It allows your dentist to check in and make sure everything is going okay with your oral health. If you are having difficulty keeping up with your oral health routine, ask your dentist for any tips to help.

To learn more about dental care during pregnancy, visit South Holston Dental Designs. At South Holston, we provide individualized care for all our patients. If you would like to schedule an appointment, visit us online here or call us at (276) 466-9800 today! Make sure you are keeping your mouth and baby healthy during your pregnancy.

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