PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH CARE

During pregnancy it is crucial to maintain a healthy mouth by flossing, brushing and getting teeth cleaned and checked throughout the pregnancy. A healthy mouth equals a healthy baby which will be discussed further as well as some tips if you are encountering morning sickness.

When you have a healthy mouth good bacteria circulates into the bloodstream and yes can be circulating to your unborn baby. On the contrary, if there is bleeding gums and gingivitis/periodontitis present then there is a risk of BAD bacteria floating through your blood stream and can affect your growing baby in uterine. If the second is the case then these bad bacteria can cause preterm, low birth weight babies and will be challenged in the early stages of life. Think under developed organs including brain, heart, kidneys and etc. that can seriously compromise your baby’s over all development.

Now many women experience morning sickness and if so here are some trouble shooting to help cope with this problem. First and far most do NOT brush your teeth immediately after being sick as much as you would like to. Instead rinse with a fluoride base and alcohol free mouth rinse. Wait 30 minutes, then brush your teeth. The reason is once you have been sick, the acid from your stomach has coated your teeth and if you brush right after it’s basically taking that acid and corroding your teeth. By waiting 30 minutes this allows the acid to neutralize so it is no longer dangerous.

So if you are planning to have a baby in the near future just remember it’s essential to maintain a healthy mouth to have a healthy baby. Regular dental visits, flossing and brushing are all critical in the healthy development of your unborn baby. If you are experiencing morning sickness just remember to wait 30 minutes before brushing to elude acid destruction on your teeth.