Pregnant women with hands on stomach
Pregnancy can be both an exciting and nerve-racking experience. There is a lot to consider, and often your oral health becomes an afterthought. Should you keep your same schedule for cleanings? Should you continue to receive dental treatments? Or should they be postponed? These are some of the most common questions we hear at the clinic from our patients who are pregnant. Within this blog, you’ll hear from Dr. Hamilton on some of the best tips to keep your oral health in check while going through a pregnancy.
Morning sickness
Unfortunately, morning sickness plagues many women during pregnancy. Approximately 70% of women suffer from morning sickness throughout their pregnancy. Most women start to experience morning sickness 6 weeks into the first trimester, with the most severe sickness occurring around the 9 week mark. And even though it’s commonly referred to as ‘morning sickness’, it can happen at any point of the day! Dealing with this can be challenging as it often leaves you feeling weak, tired and nauseated. Vomiting can happen. When you vomit, your teeth get exposed to stomach acid, which weakens the surface of your teeth by demineralizing them, resulting in an increased risk of tooth decay and erosion of your teeth.
So how can you protect your teeth when dealing with morning sickness?
Step 1 = Rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash immediately after vomiting (you can also buy personal travel size fluoride wash), which is great for when you are out and about!
Step 2 = Wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing to further reduce the acidity in your mouth
Step 3 = Brush your teeth (click the link here for a complete guide to brushing)
here are a few additional tips for dealing with morning sickness
Take a prenatal vitamin before you get pregnant. Talk to your health care provider about which one to take. Sometimes vitamins can upset your stomach, so take it with a snack.
Keep snacks by your bed. Eat a few crackers before you get up in the morning to help settle your stomach.
Eat 5 or 6 small meals each day instead of 3 larger meals.
Eat foods that are low in fat and easy to digest, like cereal, rice and bananas. Don’t eat spicy or fatty foods.
Eat healthy snacks between meals. This can help keep your stomach from being empty and helps prevent nausea. Try snacks that are high in protein, like milk or yogurt.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Avoid smells that upset your stomach.
Timing of Treatment
Hormonal changes are significant during pregnancy. This can affect your oral health. Many women notice that their gums are sore, puffy, and in some cases prone to bleeding. Anyone can develop gingivitis, however pregnant women are at a higher risk. Maintaining a regular cleaning and checkup schedule is critical during pregnancy.
Picture of a clock
So what treatments can and cannot be done?
Cleaning, polishing and root planing may be performed at any time as required to maintain your oral health. Routine general dentistry treatments will usually be postponed until the second trimester of pregnancy and extensive or elective procedures are generally postponed until after delivery. Any treatment will be directed toward controlling disease, maintaining a healthy oral environment and preventing potential problems that could occur later in the pregnancy or during the postpartum period. However, if you have an emergency situation, like an infection, your dental team will discuss with you and select the best option for you moving forward.
What should you tell your Dentist?
Make sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant. This will help them tailor their treatment plan to protect you and your baby! Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all drugs you are taking, including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information.
Don't skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you’re pregnant. Now more than any other time, regular exams are important!
If you are pregnant, and looking to learn more about how to take care of your oral health give us a call - Dr. Hamilton is accepting new patients!
Call 306-931-0000