Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Have you ever heard the old saying of “gain a baby, lose a tooth”? It’s been said that a new mother loses at least one permanent tooth during a pregnancy, due to calcium levels in the mouth decreasing while the baby is being carried in the womb. We have good news; while expectant mothers do have a greater risk of developing dental problems during pregnancy, all of these problems can be prevented. Today on the blog, Okemos’ award-winning dentist. Dr. Christine Tenaglia, explores this topic in greater detail by providing these oral health tips to follow during pregnancy.
Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting, especially first thing in the morning, are quite common for those who become pregnant. This frequent vomiting exposes your teeth to an excess amount of acid, which can deteriorate your tooth enamel – the protective outer layer of your tooth structure. Resist the urge to brush right after vomiting, as this just spreads the acids from throwing up over more of your tooth surfaces. Instead, rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize any lingering acids, then wait about 20 to 30 minutes after vomiting to brush.
Dry mouth: Saliva represents one of your great natural defenses against oral health problems. The flow of saliva helps wash away good particles and reduce the population of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Dry mouth is a common symptom of pregnancy, meaning that it becomes easier for areas of tooth decay to develop in your mouth. During pregnancy, make sure to drink plenty of water to encourage saliva production, while also remaining hydrated.
Gum disease: Because of the hormone fluctuations that take place during pregnancy, an expectant mother faces a higher risk of developing the bacterial infection that causes gum disease. By the time gum disease progresses from its initial stage, gingivitis, to the advanced stage of the disease known as periodontitis, then permanent damage has been done to your teeth. Your best defense against gum disease is to be proactive. Keep brushing and flossing daily, and be on the lookout for the symptoms of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease: gums that are red, puffy, bleed easily, or tender. We also recommend that pregnant women schedule an extra cleaning in addition to their appointments every six months – both to monitor the threat of gum disease and to avoid having to come in for a dental appointment during the third trimester when it can be uncomfortable to sit in the dentist’s chair.
Dental care for expectant and new mothers in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but one that comes with many extra responsibilities. You can trust your oral care needs during this time of life to Dr. Christine Tenaglia. She understands the unique challenges that pregnant women face in protecting their dental health. We also offer preventive care treatments and diagnostic tests to make it easier to treat problems before they become serious. To learn more about our services, schedule a consultation at Tenaglia Smiles today by calling (517) 347-6733 or completing our online appointment request form.