Yellow Springs Dental Care Tips for pregnant patients

We're Pregnant!Being pregnant in the late Ohio summer and be very uncomfortable and according to Oral-B, as many as 70% of women are affected by gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, during their pregnancies.

Gingivitis is caused by an accumulation of plaque in the mouth on the teeth and below the gum line; this can also be triggered by fluctuating hormones.

Additionally, pregnant women are at greater risk for tooth decay when sugary food cravings kick in. Refining your oral hygiene during pregnancy is one of the most important steps you can take to help yourself and your baby.

• Note your pregnancy on the medical form: X-Rays can harm the baby, and medications you may be on can affect the treatment we administers.
• Clean Where the Toothbrush Doesn’t:Make sure to floss every day; toothbrushes can leave as much as 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched.
• Utilize Proper Brushing Technique:Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities.
• Increase Time Spent on Oral Care:This means brushing after every meal if possible or at least rinsing your mouth out with water if a toothbrush is not available.
• Floss:Make flossing or the use of a Waterpik a regular part of your oral hygiene regimen.
• Eat Well:A well-balanced diet will not only give your unborn baby nutrients, it will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Dentist  Visit:Consider more frequent dental visits during pregnancy, so the risk of pregnancy gingivitis can be decreased through early detection and treatment. At the very least, regular 6 month check-ups during pregnancy are important.