Caring For Your Teeth During Pregnancy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At Junction Family Dental, as a <a href="https://thejunction.dentist/general-dentistry/" class="rank-math-link">Toronto biological dentistry</a>, we understand how hormonal changes during pregnancy make it extremely important for expectant mothers to pay extra attention to their oral care. Know that the increase in hormones during pregnancy can make women’s teeth and gums prone to extra sensitivity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Let’s take a look at the different stages of pregnancy as it relates to how women should approach their oral care.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Before Pregnancy</strong>- When you make the decision to get pregnant, we strongly advise women to first make sure their teeth and gums are in great shape.  Periodontal disease may have a link to premature births according to some research. You wouldn’t want to risk the complications to your baby that can come with this, including low-birth weight and other health conditions. We advise our patients to come see us before they get pregnant to not only assess their overall oral region but to receive all necessary <a href="https://thejunction.dentist/surgical-dentistry/" class="rank-math-link">dental treatments</a> in a comfortable state, prior to morning sickness or tiredness due to being pregnant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Trimester</strong>- We advise our patients to tell their dentist about their pregnancy. ‘Pregnancy gingivitis’ may occur as early as the 1st trimester and hormones may cause gums to become puffy and inflamed. We recommend <a href="https://thejunction.dentist/complete-health-dentistry/" class="rank-math-link">dental cleaning</a> during this time, which may be covered under your insurance (you can check your insurance to see if you receive any extra cleanings during your pregnancy). Using a bland toothpaste with a soft, small toothbrush may help to avoid morning sickness. We recommend rinsing your mouth frequently if you suffer from morning sickness and try not to brush your teeth right after vomiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2nd Trimester</strong>- We understand pregnancy cravings are very real during this time, but as a <a href="https://thejunction.dentist/complete-health-dentistry/" class="rank-math-link">holistic dental clinic</a> who pays attention to your oral region as well as your entire body, we highly suggest staying away from sugar as much as possible. Extra vitamins such as vitamin c, calcium and vitamin b-12 included in your diet is also recommended. ‘Pregnancy granuloma’, also known as pregnancy tumors can happen during this trimester, as women may get small temporary tumors in their mouth or lips while pregnant. We discourage teeth bleaching during this time although there is little evidence suggesting it will harm your baby. Your teeth and gums however, will be extra sensitive during this time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3rd Trimester</strong>- It is crucial during your entire pregnancy to remain very thorough in your home oral care routine of brushing and flossing. This is even more true during the 3rd trimester, as we do not recommend unnecessary dental treatments during the last 6 weeks of your pregnancy. Any major dental work can be postponed until after the baby is born.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nursing Post- Partum</strong>- Please schedule a dental appointment for after the baby is born, soon after delivery to have your mouth examined. Talk to your <a href="https://thejunction.dentist/" class="rank-math-link">Toronto dentist</a> about removing any amalgam (silver) fillings you may have, because mercury can travel through breast milk in high concentrations. X-rays, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide are all safe during breastfeeding.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hopefully this helps women who are planning on getting pregnant or who are already pregnant, see the importance of oral care during pregnancy. Keep posted on another blog about how to take care of your baby’s teeth once they start popping in. Book your appointment with you AND your baby with Junction Family Dental :) It’s more than your mouth that’s important to us. It’s your mouth in relation to your entire body and well-being. Set the tone for a lifetime of great oral and overall health for your entire family!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->