- During pregnancy, a bad tooth or gum infection can spread throughout your body causing serious health problems.
- After birth, it’s possible to spread cavity-causing germs to your baby through kissing and sharing utensils.
What you need to do:
Make sure you visit your dentist during pregnancy to ensure that your mouth is healthy. Get any necessary treatments before your baby is born and make sure you continue to care for your teeth after. Because cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth can cause cavities in your baby’s teeth later, your dentist may recommend rinsing with fluoride or chewing gum with xylitol.
Your body changes during pregnancy, which makes problems like bleeding gums common. Women who are pregnant are more likely to get gum disease. Do not neglect your oral health during pregnancy.
When you’re home:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Keep starchy and sugary foods to a minimum.
- Avoid juice and soda.
- Take breaks between meals and snacks and if you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water after eating.
- Drink a lot of water.
Dental care is safe during pregnancy and professional organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women continue their regular dental check-ups and take care of any dental problems right away.