Ask a Dentist

December 22, 2022

Q: What Do I Need To Know About Dental Care Before, During And After My Pregnancy?

Pregnant person looking at her belly lovingly, wanting what's best for her child

Are you expecting? Congratulations! This means that over the next nine months, your body will undergo some changes that could affect your oral health. That’s why you must continue to take care of your teeth and gums when you’re pregnant. 

Pregnancy causes changes in hormone levels that can boost the risk of gum disease. In this Ask A Dentist blog, we’ve provided tips to help you maintain great oral health before, during and after your pregnancy.

Before You Get Pregnant

Even before pregnancy, you should already be making dental appointments to get your teeth professionally cleaned and your gums carefully examined for oral health problems. This is to make sure any dental issues you have can be treated in advance before your pregnancy.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

You should inform your dentist when you’re pregnant. Any dental work can be completed during pregnancy, especially if you have cavities, as the germs can be passed to your baby. 

Continue following good oral hygiene practices when you’re pregnant, including:

  • Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Flossing daily to clean between your teeth
  • Limiting sweet or starchy snacks and drinks as they can cause “acid attacks” on your teeth

If you suffer from morning sickness, we suggest you don’t brush your teeth immediately after, as the acid from your stomach has made your teeth weak. We recommend you take better care of your enamel by swishing your mouth with baking soda and water afterward instead. Baking soda neutralizes the acid from your stomach. You can mix a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water, then use the mixture to rinse out your mouth before brushing.

After Having A Baby

During your pregnancy, you may encounter changes in your gums, such as tenderness, bleeding and swelling. When you notice these symptoms, you should be visiting the dentist for a remedy.

If these oral health problems continue to persist even after you’ve had the baby, you should continue to see your dentist after delivery for a full oral checkup. 

Dental Image Therapy Centres offers family dentistry and compassionate dental care in Winnipeg. Our clinics are conveniently located at St. Vital Centre or Garden City Shopping Centre. We provide many dental services from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and dental restorations. If you have any questions or concerns about taking care of your oral health while you’re pregnant, don’t hesitate to reach out by booking an appointment with us. We look forward to improving your and your family’s dental needs. 

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