Helpful Dental Tips for Pregnant Women & Nursing Mothers
DR. AMANDA TAVOULARIS (dentably.com)
Dental health may not be on the forefront of your mind during your pregnancy or while you’re breastfeeding. However, it’s important that you take care of your teeth and gums during this time because up to 75% of women develop inflammation of gums, or gingivitis while they are pregnant. I have been practicing dentistry for nearly 20 years and have worked with expecting and nursing mothers on keeping their mouth as healthy as possible so that they can safely carry their baby to term and avoid dental issues postpartum.
1. Continue to Visit the Dentist
It’s important to continue visiting the dentist during your pregnancy and while you’re breastfeeding. Professional dental cleanings and exams are essential to preventing tooth decay and gum disease. If you are due for cleaning during your pregnancy or shortly after you give birth, try not to skip it. Let your dentist know that you are expecting or breastfeeding and they will be happy to accommodate you and your needs.
You should also ask your dentist for an evaluation of your periodontal health during pregnancy and after you’ve given birth. That way they can uncover any issues that you may have with your gums and you can work together to decrease your chances of delivering your baby preterm. You can also begin to discuss treatment plans to better your gum health.
2. Receive Prompt Treatment
If you learn that you have been diagnosed with gum disease or think you may have it, discussing treatment plans should be the next step that you take. You will want to work on treating gum disease quickly to avoid any worsened pregnancy or dental issues. The bacteria from gingivitis and periodontitis can attack the ligaments, gums, and bones surrounding your teeth to create infected pockets similar to large infected wounds in the oral cavity. These pockets can also provide access to your bloodstream and allow bacteria to travel throughout your body, down to the uterus and placenta.
Visiting your dentist is the best way to treat gingivitis or gum disease. Most dentists recommend waiting until your second trimester before taking on any dental procedure because this is when it’s most comfortable for you as a mother and the safest for the development of your baby. When you schedule an appointment for treatment, your dentist will give you a deep cleaning to help get rid of plaque and build-up that’s contributing to the disease. If your gum disease worsens your dentist or doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help combat the infection.
3. Practice a Dental Care Routine at Home
Finally, you can help prevent gum disease in your own home. The best way to do this is to continue an effective dental care routine during your pregnancy. Good dental hygiene consists of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and using an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Be sure to make time for yourself and implement a routine that works with your schedule.
Another important way to keep your mouth healthy during this special time is to avoid sugary foods. While you may experience cravings during or after your pregnancy, eating foods high in sugar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so enjoy your sweets in moderation and always clean your teeth afterward. By working towards maintaining a well-balanced diet and incorporating more vegetables, lean proteins, and nuts and seeds into your diet while you are pregnant or breastfeeding you can help prevent dental issues.
While you’re probably busy going to doctor’s appointments and preparing at home for your new baby, it’s also important that you are healthy as you can be during this time. One thing that is sometimes overlooked during pregnancy is dental care. However, premature births are more common in mothers with poor dental health, so it’s important that you take precautionary measures to make sure that your mouth is as healthy as possible for you and your baby.
A good dental care routine, regular dental visits, and seeking treatment are some of the best ways to help prevent gum disease and preterm birth. This is a wonderful and special time in your life so embrace the amazing changes happening to your body. You are growing a human therefore it’s always important to prioritize you and your baby’s health as you wait to welcome your new little one.
Dr. Amanda Tavoularis has been committed to excellent dentistry for over 20 years. She studied at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and has gone on to complete over 200 hours of study at the prestigious Kois Center located in Seattle. She belongs to numerous dentistry networks include the American Dental Association and the Wellness Dentistry Network. With being a female dentist on the Dentably team, Dr. Amanda can provide her expertise for dental care for women as well as expecting mothers. She has a son of her own and is committed to providing the most accurate information possible for patients.
Dr. Amanda Tavoularis has been committed to excellent dentistry for over 20 years. She studied at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and has gone on to complete over 200 hours of study at the prestigious Kois Center located in Seattle. She belongs to numerous dentistry networks include the American Dental Association and the Wellness Dentistry Network. With being a female dentist on the Dentably team, Dr. Amanda can provide her expertise for dental care for women as well as expecting mothers. She has a son of her own and is committed to providing the most accurate information possible for patients.