Taking care of your mouth while pregnant is easy and helps your baby right from the start. Take it from Riverbend Dentistry’s two expecting first-time moms Nicole and Shelby, who are both registered dental hygienists. You may have heard some myths about pregnancy and teeth — that it’s normal for an expecting mom to lose a tooth with pregnancy or that the baby steals the mother’s calcium. However, both are completely false. Here are some truths about your teeth during pregnancy:
- Pregnant women may have greater risk for cavities and dental infections. Those with cavity-causing bacteria during and after pregnancy can transmit bacteria to their baby. Unfortunately, this bacteria can lead to early childhood cavities.
- Nearly 60-75% of pregnant women have gingivitis (the early stage of periodontal disease), which can be aggravated by changing hormones. Gum disease has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes.
So, what can you do to help yourself and your baby?
- Schedule an appointment to see your dentist before your baby arrives (and your hands become extra full).
- Brush and floss twice daily.
- If you experience morning sickness, rinse your mouth out with water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to eliminate the acid in your mouth.
If you have more questions, please call or email us at info@riverbenddentistry.com. We are happy to help!
Nicole Heckman & Shelby Skinner Riverbend Dentistry
600 Monroe St., #300, JCMO
(573) 635-6080 | riverbenddentistry.com