HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY ORAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCE - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Learn about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy…
… the best ways to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy…
… and how this can help to give your baby the best possible start in life.
WHY THIS GUIDE?
TEETH AND GUMS IN PREGNANCY
We created this ultimate guide because:
FOUR THINGS EVERY MUM-TO-BE NEEDS TO KNOW
SORE GUMS DURING PREGNANCY
Changes in your hormones can make you more susceptible to a build-up of plaque on your teeth.
This can lead to sore and swollen gums, which may bleed more easily… which could mean you have gingivitis – an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis, if left untreated can lead to periodontitis – when the tissues that hold in place and support the teeth become inflamed. When not treated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
Fortunately a consistent, high-quality daily oral health routine can help you to deal with or prevent sore gums, gingivitis and the risk of periodontitis.
So keep reading!
As always, looking after your teeth and gums benefits your whole body – including your arteries, heart and brain.
TOOTH DECAY AND PREGNANCY
Because you’re more vulnerable to dental plaque, you’re also at greater risk of tooth decay – when plaque turns sugars into enamel-attacking acid.
How to treat tooth decay during pregnancy
If you have any concerns about tooth decay, please ask your dentist.
But the best way to ward off tooth decay… is to be consistent with a great oral health routine.
PREGNANCY CRAVINGS & ORAL HEALT
For many pregnant women, cravings start in the first trimester – as early as five weeks into pregnancy – and get stronger in the second trimester.
If you crave acidic or sweet food or drink you need to take special care. The acidity of things like cola, orange juice, fruit and sugary sweets attack the structure of tooth enamel.
Don't brush straight away
If possible, try not to eat or drink too many of these treats! When you do, take a sip of water straight afterwards.
And make sure you wait at least half an hour before brushing – your teeth enamel becomes weaker and more at risk of damage straight after consuming acidic food and drink.
MORNING SICKNESS & YOUR TEETH
Similarly, with the nausea and vomiting common in pregnancy – often known as morning sickness – the acid in your vomit can damage your teeth enamel.
Rinse your mouth with water after being sick and wait at least half an hour before brushing.
DENTAL CARE WHILE PREGNANT
Definitely go and see your dentist at least once during your pregnancy. As discussed, your oral health needs are greater when you’re pregnant.
Definitely tell your dentist you’re pregnant as this may affect your dental care…
For example, some guidelines suggest removing or replacing amalgam fillings should be delayed until after you’ve had your baby.
And dental X-rays should usually be avoided.
If you have any concerns at all about your teeth and gums, don’t hesitate to go and see a dental professional.
THE BEST ROUTINE
The best foundation to keep your teeth and gums healthy and help prevent the dental problems associated with pregnancy is to:
IMPORTANT: Expectant mums can feel pretty tired by the evening time. It can be tempting to skip parts of your oral health routine at night but please remember – staying consistent is even more important during pregnancy.
STEP ONE
BRUSHING YOUR TEETH
Brush your teeth the right eay with a gentle toothbrush during pregnancy
Because gums are soft and even more sensitive during pregnancy, it’s important to clean them gently.
That’s why our iconic Curaprox CS 5460 toothbrush features 5,460 ultra-fine, gentle Curen® filaments, densely-packed on the compact brush head.
This gives you gentle but exceptional power…
… to clean the teeth and the gumline without causing any injury.
That’s why the CS 5460, developed and manufactured in Switzerland, is recommended by dental professionals.
The quick version:
The long version:
The best toothpaste for brushing during pregnancy
