subject: 7 Important Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women [print this page] 7 Important Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women
Everyone needs to practice good oral hygiene. Pregnant women should also be extra careful with how they take care of their teeth and gums. Pregnant women are more likely to be infected with gingivitis or other gum diseases if they have poor oral hygiene. Pregnancy gingivitis, in turn, increases the risk of preterm birth, which is a serious complication in pregnancies. To help expectant mothers care for their teeth and gums properly, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAP) has set up the following guidelines:Educate yourself regarding oral healthYou can get help understanding the various benefits of proper oral hygiene during pregnancy by visiting your dentist regularly. Healthcare providers can also provide you with the necessary resources and tools for proper oral health. If you are planning on getting pregnant or are pregnant already, it is crucial to ask help from these healthcare providers for any oral health concerns you have. Possible gum disease-related health problems can also be diagnosed earlier by your dentist.Eliminate bacterial plaque by regular brushing and flossingPreterm and low birth-weight babies have been associated with bacterial plaque according to research. Due to this, it is important to brush and floss in the proper way to aid in the removal of bacterial plaque. To properly brush your teeth you should brush in a circular motion and clean all reachable surfaces. Flossing is important for reaching areas of teeth that cannot be cleaned by normal brushing. Make sure that after you floss you rinse out your mouth.Include fluoride toothpaste and fluoride rinse into your routineDentists suggest that people aged seven and older should use fluoride toothpaste. It is also crucial for pregnant women to use toothpaste containing fluoride. Pregnant women can also buy fluoride rinses that are alcohol-free in order to get rid of plaque.Eat a balanced dietA healthy diet can promote excellent nutrition for mothers as well as their kids, and their teeth. Unnecessary sugary food should be avoided because these can increase plaque.Find treatment for tooth decayThe treatment for tooth decay is not considered harmful during pregnancy so experts suggest that pregnant women should get any tooth decay taken care of. Treating tooth decay will promote overall oral health and eliminate the bacteria that is commonly associated with it.Don't share food or utensils with anyonePeople can pass tooth decay-causing bacteria if they share food or utensils. Pregnant women should therefore avoid sharing food or their eating utensils.Use xylitol gumStudies have revealed that xylitol gum may lower the rate of tooth decay in children. As such, pregnant women are encouraged to chew this type of gum at least 4 times daily.These guidelines can help improve the oral health of pregnant women as well as the overall welfare of the mother and child.
