How to Take Care of Your Oral Health While Pregnant

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Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring several unwanted changes to your body. For example, you might be dealing with morning sickness, back pain, or swollen feet. While these pregnancy concerns are well-known, oral health issues tend not to get as much attention. However, according to the CDC, up to 75 percent of pregnant people experience issues with their oral/dental health. Understanding why this happens and what steps you can take can help you protect your teeth and gums during this sensitive time.

Why Oral Health Can Be a Challenge During Pregnancy

Most people are aware that pregnancy is a time when hormones undergo considerable fluctuations. However, many people do not realize that these shifts can affect your oral health. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone can make teeth more sensitive to pain and gums more susceptible to inflammation. Because gingivitis carries risks for both you and your baby, learning how to minimize negative oral health issues during pregnancy is crucial. Here are a few steps you can take. 

Use an Electric Toothbrush

You should continue to brush twice a day while pregnant. However, because bacteria can proliferate more freely in your mouth during pregnancy, you should be more proactive about eliminating them. Electric toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums than manual brushes, so going electric is a wise investment. When shopping for your new brush, find one that can rotate in both directions, as this variety will make your teeth even cleaner. 

Clean Between Your Teeth Daily

Due to the increased risk of gingivitis, flossing is at least as important during pregnancy as it is at other times. However, many people find that flossing is more likely to make their gums bleed during pregnancy. If this is the case for you, a water flosser may work best. These devices clean the gums and hard-to-reach spots in a gentler way than traditional floss, making them an ideal addition to your prenatal dental regimen. 

Use a Fluoride Rinse

If you suffer from morning sickness, it can leave more than an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Vomiting can also threaten the integrity of your tooth enamel. Using a fluoride rinse can help reinforce the enamel, kill bacteria, and help your breath smell minty-fresh.  

Avoid Whitening Products

While you might be desperate to keep your smile Instagrammable during pregnancy, whitening products may make your teeth and gums more sensitive. Put a pause on the whitening strips until after Baby arrives. 

Keep Up with Your Dental Appointments

At Babylon Dental Care, we understand that pregnancy is a busy time. However, keeping up with your dentist and oral hygienist appointments is particularly important when you are expecting. Our oral health team is here to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, and we can offer you personalized advice about modifying your routine between now and the big day. Contact us online or call us today at (631) 983-6665 to book an appointment.

 

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“Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

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“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

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“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

Brenda S

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Angela P

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“Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

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