Back pain, morning sickness, fatigue, hunger — it’s hard to know exactly what to expect when you’re expecting. Your teeth may seem secondary to the stereotypical symptoms, but they matter more than you realize. What you need to know to keep your smile glowing throughout your pregnancy:
• Your hormones aren’t the only things changing.
The same pregnancy hormones causing you to sob during a Sarah McLachlan commercial affect your teeth too. Increased estrogen and progesterone levels multiply dental plaque. Because of a surplus of the sticky stuff (bacteria), many women are prone to get pregnancy gingivitis. It’s characterized by inflammation of the gums, swelling and tenderness. The painful side effects can be prevented — take extra care of your teeth.
• You’re eating (and brushing) for 2.
The “eating for 2” cliché makes it easy to justify eating an entire ice-cream pint (it’s the only size you need, right?).
You do need to consume more when you’re expecting — but not enough to justify eating the whole pint. Your baby’s teeth start to grow as early as 3 months into pregnancy. Make 2 smiles and 2 bodies strong — eat a balanced diet filled with calcium, phosphorous, protein, and vitamins A, C, and D. Eat healthy and your baby’s kicks will feel more like a high five.
And, just like you’re eating for 2, your oral health routine affects your unborn baby. After you give in to your guilty grubbing pleasure, brush to get the sweet stuff off your smile.
• You need to have more than an ultrasound.
Add a dentist visit to your new nursery and gender reveal party plans. A dental check-up may not be top of mind, but it’s a key to healthy pregnancy. If you’re newly expecting, bring your baby-to-be belly to the dentist. A routine cleaning will keep your smile on-track. If you’re due for an x-ray, they are safe up until the second trimester.
Prepare your smile for pregnancy with our tips!
