ORAL HEALTH IN PREGNANCY Caring for your mouth, teeth and gums is important during pregnancy Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles!
Brush your teeth twice a day and change your toothbrush regularly. Floss every day. Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Visit your dentist during pregnancy. After brushing just spit, don't rinse!
Dental appointments Before You Get Pregnant The best approach to dental care is to see your dentist BEFORE you get pregnant for a check-up, so that any oral health problems can be treated in advance of your pregnancy. Dental Care While Pregnant Inform your dentist of your pregnancy as they may need to alter your treatment plan based on this information. Don t skip your dental check-up appointment simply because you are pregnant. NDuring pregnancy, your dental check up is very important because hormonal changes can put you at increased risk of gum problems. The Department of Health advises that you do not have amalgam fillings replaced during pregnancy so arrange to get this done after your baby is born. After you've had your baby If you experienced any gum problems during your pregnancy, continue seeing your dentist after delivery in order to have your gum health thoroughly checked. Any other dental treatment can also be undertaken now. NHS dental care is FREE: while you are pregnant, and for one year after the birth of your baby.
Pregnancy Gingivitis During pregnancy, hormonal balances change and if good oral hygiene is not practiced, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed. This condition is known as pregnancy gingivitis. To reduce pregnancy gingivitis, practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. Spit out excess toothpaste rather than rinse - this gives the fluoride time to work. Floss every day. Change your toothbrush every three months or when bristles start to splay.
Tooth Erosion Morning sickness can cause frequent vomiting which can thin-out the enamel on the back of the front teeth. Do not brush your teeth immediately after being sick as the acid will further erode the teeth as you brush. Speak to your dentist for further advice. Dry Mouth Many pregnant women complain of a dry mouth. You can combat this by drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Sweet and fizzy drinks (including diet and sugar free) can cause damage and should be avoided. Speak to your dentist for further advice.
Truth or myth? Old Wives Tales There are rumours that: Pregnancy damages your teeth Pregnant women lose a tooth for every child These rumours are just myths and are not true. Women do not suffer from a lack of calcium or tooth loss due to pregnancy. If you practice good brushing and flossing habits, you are no more likely to get cavities or lose teeth during your pregnancy than at any other time.
Diet Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Your baby s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are good for baby s developing teeth, gums, and bones. Pregnant women may be at risk of developing tooth decay if they snack frequently on sugary foods and drink. Cakes, sweets, chocolate, biscuits and sugary drinks are all high in sugar. Frequent intake of all fizzy drinks including zero cola, diet cola and sugar free cola also damage teeth and are not recommended. Choose healthy options for snacks and avoid or keep sugary snacks and drinks to meal times. Keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay.
Visit the dentist during pregnancy NHS dental care is FREE while you are pregnant, and for one year after the birth of your baby. Take your child to see the dentist as soon as the first baby tooth shows in the mouth To Find Your Local NHS Dentist: Visit NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/dentists Or call your local Healthwatch on 0116 2574 999 If you do not have a dentist and require urgent dental care please call 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. CALL 111 when it s less urgent than 999 Dr J.Murphy, Consultant in Public Health Leicester City Council Issue date: 02/15