On Sunday, May 12, we celebrate Mother’s Day! To mark the occasion, the Nova Scotia Dental Association is sharing six helpful tips and facts for soon-to-be parents about the importance of oral health during pregnancy.
1. Inform your dentist (and don’t skip your next visit)
Pregnant patients should tell their oral health care providers that they are expecting. This is important for your medical history.
The Public Health Agency of Canada suggests pregnant patients be examined by their dentist during their first trimester. The dentist is your best source of advice on maintaining your best oral health and can manage some of the side effects your hormones may cause during pregnancy.
2. Recognize that hormones affect oral health
Hormone levels change considerably during pregnancy. The most common thing dentists notice in pregnant patients is that their gums can become inflamed and bleed more easily. Ensuring you keep a regular schedule can help reduce inflammation that can occur.
If you continue to have problems with your gums after giving birth, talk to your dentist.
3. It’s safe to get X-rays while pregnant
Getting a dental X-ray while you are pregnant is safe; however, dentists will often avoid them except in the case of a dental emergency. Emergency care during pregnancy is safe and essential. If you do require X-rays, you will be shielded from the low dose of radiation by a lead apron.
4. Morning sickness can cause tooth problems
Stomach acid produced by vomiting can damage teeth’s surface and promote decay. It is recommended that patients rinse with water after throwing up. Avoid brushing right away, as this can brush the acids into the teeth. If vomiting is severe, patients can ‘swish and spit’ a neutralizing rinse made from a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda and room-temperature water.
5. Your oral health matters to the baby’s health
Again, pregnancy hormones can bring a lot of changes, and this may affect oral health. Recent studies suggest that periodontal disease/poor oral hygiene has been implicated as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm (premature) births and low birth weight, as well as even miscarriage and stillbirth.
6. Take your baby to the dentist early in life
Good oral health habits start early. Introduce your baby to the dentist early to get them used to routine check-ups. Develop and follow a good routine for the baby with good nutrition, mouth cleaning (even before the teeth start to erupt), and regular visits to the dentist.
Happy Mother’s Day from the Nova Scotia Dental Association!
