Being pregnant is a happy time with lots of changes. Taking care of your teeth while you are pregnant is an important part of taking care of yourself and your baby. No matter where you are in Plymouth, MN, you should look for a dentist in Plymouth, MN, who can help you keep your smile healthy while you are pregnant. 

Why oral health matters during pregnancy

When you are pregnant, changes in your hormones can hurt your teeth and gums. If your gums are inflamed, which can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding, you may have gingivitis. Because of more estrogen in the body, gingivitis is more likely during pregnancy.

If you do not treat gingivitis, it can get worse and turn into periodontitis, which is a much worse gum infection that can hurt the bone that holds your teeth in place. Periodontitis has been linked to babies being born early and having low birth weight. 

How to maintain your oral health during pregnancy 

To keep your mouth healthy while you are pregnant, here are some important tips:

• Go to the dentist: If you can, get a checkup and cleaning at the dentist early in your pregnancy and again in the second trimester. Tell your doctor that you are pregnant and talk about any worries you have.
• Every day, brush your teeth twice and floss once. Plaque is a sticky film that has germs on it. Brushing gets rid of it. Plaque and food stuck between your teeth can be removed by flossing.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles: If your gums are sensitive during pregnancy, a soft-bristled toothbrush is better for them.
• Take care of your health: Eat a lot of whole foods, fruits, and veggies. These foods give your gums and teeth the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
• Do not consume too many sweet snacks and drinks: Tooth loss can be caused by sugary snacks and drinks.
• Use an antibacterial mouth rinse: A mouth spray with antimicrobials can help get rid of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Find someone through your doctor. 

Addressing some common concerns 

Are X-rays of the teeth safe to get while pregnant? 

When extra care is taken to keep the baby from getting too much radiation, dental X-rays are usually safe to get while pregnant. You should talk to your doctor about what you want.

What if I get sick in the morning? 

When you are sick in the morning, it can be hard to brush your teeth. If you throw up, use water or a mouth rinse to clean your mouth. If you do not want to hurt your gums, wait at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth.

What if I have put in my gums or a toothache? 

Do not ignore a toothache or an illness in your gums. Get in touch with your doctor right away. Getting treatment right away can help keep the problem from getting worse.

As long as you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your smile healthy for you and your baby while you are pregnant.

Some additional tips for your oral health during pregnancy

To keep your gums healthy, do not take certain medicines, deal with stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing, get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night, think about taking a pregnancy fluoride pill, and do not smoke or drink. 

Talk to your dentist or doctor about any drugs you are taking or thinking about taking. Gum problems can get worse when you are stressed, so use healthy ways to deal with stress, like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. 

Taking fluoride tablets while pregnant may also help keep your teeth healthy. To keep your teeth healthy, you need to stop smoking and drinking.

With these tips, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy while you are pregnant and after. Remember that taking care of your teeth is an important part of your general health.