Important things to remeber before, during and after your pregnancy.
Before Pregnancy
Make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
Visit your dentist for a thorough checkup.
Complete all necessary dental works before getting pregnant. According to a study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research, periodontal disease may have some adverse effects on the growing fetus. This includes: such adverse outcomes may include Preterm labor, low birth weight, or restriction of the baby's growth. Researchers hypothesize that these reactions develop because some bacteria associated with gum disease spread into the fetoplacental unit.
1st Trimester
It is best to avoid dental works during the first trimester.
Tell your dentist that you are pregnant.
Change in hormones can cause inflammation of the gums or pregnancy gingivitis.
Do not brush your teeth immediately after vomiting or morning sickness. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and use a fluoride mouth rinse.
Use a toothbrush with a small head and use bland toothpaste to prevent vomiting.
Baby teeth begin to form three months into pregnancy. What you eat will affect your baby’s developing teeth.
2nd Trimester
Dental procedures are safe during the 4th to 6th month.
Avoid snacking on sugary foods even though you may be craving them.
Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, and calcium for healthy teeth.
Due to hormonal changes, some pregnant women may experience pregnancy gum cysts.
3rd Trimester
Avoid dental treatments.
Continue good oral hygiene, brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily.
Nursing
Soon after delivery, have a dental checkup.
X-rays, local anesthetics, and nitrous oxide are safe while breastfeeding.
Wipe your baby’s gums after each breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
Use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste as soon as the baby’s first tooth erupts. Look for a toothpaste that says 500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride on the tube.
Caring for your baby’s teeth
Wipe your baby’s gums with a damp cloth or wipes (found in pharmacies) after every breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
When the first tooth erupts, brush your child’s teeth with a smear amount of fluoride toothpaste at least two times a day.
Early childhood caries are caused by mouth germs and drinks containing sugar like milk (breast milk, formula, and cow’s milk) or juices.
Keep bottles and sippy cups out of the crib.
Never put your baby to sleep with milk or juice.
Babies are born with germ-free mouths. Caregivers and parents can spread germs by sharing spoons, food, and kissing. Caregivers and parents should maintain good oral hygiene and have their teeth checked for cavities to avoid passing cavities to babies.
Visit us here at Dyer Dental Care, and we’ll assess your oral condition thoroughly and determine
whether or not you’re a candidate for dental treatment. Get in touch with us today call us (510) 487-0311)or book an appointment!