Becoming a mom takes a lot of planning, adjusting and learning. For most moms, protecting their baby's health is their number one priority. Maintaining stellar oral health will make a significant difference to both you and your baby before and after delivery. Use this guide for ways you can work with your dentist to assess your oral health and ways you can support it at home. 

Do:

Floss daily. 

Pregnant women experience a number of hormone changes that affect their body, including causing their gums to become swollen and sensitive. However, flossing once daily is crucial for preventing gum disease, as moms-to-be tend to be more susceptible to bacteria. Brushing twice a day and flossing is one of the most beneficial steps you can take to prevent gingivitis or periodontal disease. 

Increase your calcium intake. 

Your baby's teeth start developing beneath the gums between 3 to 6 months gestation. Ensuring you are getting enough calcium promotes your bone health, but also your baby's. A healthy dose of calcium has other benefits aside from strong bones, including preventing preeclampsia and preterm births. 

Don’t:

Have dental surgery while you’re pregnant.

Skipping dental visits while pregnant is not recommended. However, there are elective treatments and certain procedures dentists will not perform on a pregnant women. 

Any procedures that require sedation as well as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth. Additionally, some procedures, like tooth extraction, may need to wait because of the discomfort a pregnant woman may feel in a reclined position for an extended period of time. 

Brush immediately after morning sickness. 

Morning sickness can be fairly unpleasant, making most pregnant women anxious to brush their teeth right away after an episode. While this might seem like the right choice, brushing your teeth right after being sick can damage your teeth. 

The acid from the reflux can weaken and dissolve the enamel protecting your teeth. It's best to wait at least 30 minutes to give enamel time to recover before brushing your teeth. In the meantime, rinse your mouth out with water.

Keep your smile looking bright with C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry in Lorain, Ohio. For over 20 years, this local practice has offered the community a variety of vital dental services including, general dentistry, tooth extractions and root canal work, tooth implants, dentures, screenings for oral diseases and oral cancer and cosmetic dentistry offerings. This expert team is dedicated to ensuring every patient feels welcome and comfortable when walking through their doors. With decades of skill, experience and care, you are always in good hands with this dentist. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sfeir by calling (440) 960-5200 or visiting the website.