Do I need to take special care of my mouth if I am pregnant?

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  1. American Dental Association
     
     

    You have so much to think about during pregnancy, but don’t overlook your oral health, which can be affected by the hormonal changes you will experience during this time. For example, women are more likely to develop gingivitis during pregnancy, an infection of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. Your gums also may bleed a little when you brush or floss. Left untreated, gingivitis can affect the supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this.

    You should continue to see your dentist during pregnancy for oral examinations and professional teeth cleaning. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant and about any changes you have noticed in your oral health. Good daily care is key to your oral health. To help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, always brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day, eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

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  2. Dr. De Vizio
     
    Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:

    Good oral health practices are important while you are pregnant. A condition called pregnancy gingivitis, which is early gum disease, affects most pregnant women to some degree and can start as soon as the second month of pregnancy. If you already have gingivitis, it's likely to worsen during pregnancy. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.

    If you vomit during your pregnancy, rinse your mouth with a mixture of a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a cup of water. This can help prevent erosion of your tooth enamel by neutralizing stomach acid.

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    Good oral health practices are important while you are pregnant. A condition called pregnancy gingivitis, which is early gum disease, affects most pregnant women to some degree and can start as soon as the second month of pregnancy. If you... More
  3. Riverside Health System
     

    Yes! If you are pregnant, you have special oral health needs.

    Before you become pregnant, it is best to have dental checkups every 6 months. You want to keep your mouth in good health before your pregnancy.

    If you are pregnant and have not had regular checkups:

    Have a complete oral exam early in your pregnancy. Because you are pregnant, your dentist might not take routine x-rays. But if you need x-rays, the health risk to your unborn baby is small. Remember dental work during pregnancy is safe. The best time for treatment is between the 14th and 20th weeks. In the last months, you might be uncomfortable sitting in a dental chair. Have all needed dental treatments. If you avoid treatment, you may risk your health and your baby's health. Use good oral hygiene to control your risk of gum diseases. Pregnant women may have changes in taste and develop red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis. Both poor oral hygiene and higher hormone levels can cause pregnancy gingivitis. Until now, it was thought that having gum disease could raise your risk of having a low-birth-weight baby. Researchers have not been able to confirm this link, but studies are still under way to learn more.

    This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.

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    Yes! If you are pregnant, you have special oral health needs. Before you become pregnant, it is best to have dental checkups every 6 months. You want to keep your mouth in good health before your pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have not had... More