Pregnancy and Oral Hygiene
Ensuring Healthy Teeth and Gums— For You and Your Baby
When you’re pregnant, you know how important it is to take special care of your body. However, you should also know that pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums. That’s because hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy can increase your chances of developing gum disease.
So while you are pregnant, make sure you practice good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing every day. By combining this routine with a healthy, balanced diet and regular dental visits, you will not only help avoid dental problems of your own, you will also contribute to the healthy development of your baby.
A Quick Guide
- Brush thoroughly at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline.
- Eat a well balanced diet, rich in calcium; this will help you and your unborn baby get all the nutrients you both need and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Keep your dental office informed about your pregnancy and any changes in medication.
- Continue to visit your dentist or hygienist for regular checkups.
Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories. www.OralB.com