Bringing a new life into the world can be both beautiful and confusing at times. Any mom will tell you how much your body changes while you’re growing and going through the many stages of pregnancy (i.e., the tests, the doctors appointments, the cravings). If you’re already a mom or about to become one for the first time, you’ve probably heard from your doctor about the importance of taking care of your smile. Our holistic dental office in Wilmington definitely agrees!
Let’s take a look at happens to your mouth and teeth when you’re getting ready to have a baby.
Gum issues – A change in hormones plays a significant role in your oral health after you become pregnant. Hormones can also wreak havoc on your gums leading to:
– Inflammation that causes swelling and bleeding in your gums when brushing and flossing
– The appearance of periodontal disease that wasn’t present before you became pregnant
– Enlarged gums that tend to bleed easily and require a professional cleaning
It’s important to remember that gum issues that go untreated are bad for your teeth and can even lead to tooth loss in the future. If you’re pregnant and experiencing any of these issues with your gums, it’s important to schedule a visit with your holistic dentist in Wilmington as soon as possible.
Tooth damage – Sometimes women experience extreme nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux during the early months of pregnancy, typically in the first three months. Vomiting can lead to an increase in acid in your mouth that eats away at and damages teeth. If you do get sick, try to avoid brushing right away so that you don’t scratch teeth that are covered in stomach acids. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, if possible.
Damaging foods – If you’ve been pregnant before or if you’re experiencing it now, you’ve probably got a story or two about unusual food cravings. So many times, the foods we crave aren’t the most healthy options. They’re often riddled with sugar and acids that attack teeth and cause decay. Try to opt for low-sugar foods, when possible, such as fresh fruits. If you do indulge, remember to brush your teeth!
Your physician and your Wilmington holistic dentist will tell you that it’s important to make sure you’re body is getting everything it needs to keep you going strong and help the baby grow properly. But we also want to protect your smile too. Try eating these foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D for added nutrients:
Calcium
– Hard cheese (avoid unpasteurized cheeses)
– Milk
– Plain yogurt
– Soy milk with calcium
Vitamin D
– Fortified butter
– Salmon and other fatty fishes
– Eggs
– Leafy greens
We understand that pregnancy can be overwhelming, whether it’s your first or tenth child. No matter what this world brings your way, our holistic dental office is always ready to welcome you with open arms. We want to do our very best to ensure your smile, your body, and your baby are as healthy as possible. To learn more about how holistic dentistry can help you, call All About Smiles to ask questions. We’re always happy to help
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!