How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

Many women during pregnancy can go through ups and downs, whether it’s a bout of morning sickness that won’t go away, irritability, spells of euphoria, or days where you are glowing. Pretty much every emotion and feeling is ticked off.

When it comes to caring for your teeth, this should never be placed on the back-burner. The health of your teeth can have a massive impact on your overall health.

Can I Have Dental Treatment When Pregnant?

Most types of treatment are absolutely fine, but some medicines and treatments may cause problems. For example, it is best advised to steer clear of X-ray’s – not because you run the risk of miscarriage but because being exposed to radiation can run the risk of your baby developing cancer later in childhood.

If you do have to undergo an X-ray then precautions will be put in place, namely the old-school lead apron to cover the pelvic area. This is only needed when a dental X-ray can directly affect the abdomen – which isn’t an area that is affected in most dental X-ray’s.

Why Do I Gag When Brushing My Teeth?

If you find that your gag reflex has suddenly shot into overdrive, don’t panic, this is completely normal during pregnancy. Your body is going through all kinds of changes and certain smells, tastes or sensations can seem different. If you are prone to gagging, try brushing later in the morning than usual when you aren’t feeling sick/as sick. Try using a different toothbrush, or even a different toothpaste if it’s that particular taste or flavour that’s causing you to be nauseous.

Either way, whatever you do, make sure that you keep up your teeth cleaning regime. During pregnancy there are other factors involved that can cause tooth decay, such as:

Heartburn/Reflux – acidic liquid can coat your teeth and cause erosion and tooth decay.

Sickness – Again, sick is usually acidic in nature and can cause tooth enamel to dissolve if you aren’t cleaning your teeth.

If you have reflux or have been sick, wash your mouth with water and only brush your teeth an hour after. This will allow the teeth to recover.

What Else Can I Do To Strengthen My Teeth During Pregnancy?

Drink milk. Milk is always a massive calcium booster and can help keep your teeth strong and healthy. Try and drink a 250ml glass each day if you can.

Remember, if you are ever in any doubt when it comes to the health of your teeth or what you can and can’t do, ask a professional who will be able to guide you down the right path.

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