During your pregnancy, you’re sure to see big changes in your body. Whilst you may experience a few different symptoms when pregnant, it’s important to know what to look out for when it comes to your teeth and gums during this time.
We’ve rounded up some of our top tips to ensure your oral health remains in great condition throughout your pregnancy and beyond:
1. Maintaining a healthy diet
A healthy diet is one of the easiest ways to look after your oral health and this is particularly true when you are pregnant. Making sure you eat your 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day and cutting down on how much sugar you consume can help keep your teeth and gums in good condition.
2. Keep up with your oral health routine
Prevention is always better than a cure, especially when it comes to your oral health. It’s important that you brush your teeth twice a day, for 2 minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste, to ensure your teeth are looking and feeling their best. Daily interdental cleaning and regular visits to your dentist are important too – remember, appointments are free under the NHS if you’re pregnant.
3. Watch out for bleeding gums
Did you know that due to changing hormone levels during pregnancy, your body will react differently to bacteria on your teeth? This reaction to plaque can lead to swollen and bleeding gums so it’s important to keep an eye out for early signs of gum disease, such as painful or tender gums, pain on chewing and sensitive teeth.
4. Treat gum disease during pregnancy
If you do have any signs of gum disease, this can be treated safely during pregnancy. Make an appointment with your dentist, who will be able to advise on the best treatment (usually a deep clean under the gums). They’ll also be able to give you the best advice on avoiding any future problems.