How Can I Keep My Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy?

Do you brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (about 2 minutes each time)?

Do you use dental floss once a day?

Do you use a soft toothbrush with a small head?

Do you eat healthy and avoid high-sugar foods and drinks?

Do you avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol?

Do you avoid tobacco products and alcohol?

Do you rinse your mouth daily with salt water (1 teaspoon of salt added to a cup of warm water)?

If you have morning sickness (nausea and vomiting), do you rinse your mouth with tap water after vomiting?

Do you know that you should wait about an hour after vomiting before brushing your teeth?

Have you increased your calcium intake (good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, plain yogurt, soy, and almonds)?

Have you increased your vitamin D intake (good sources of vitamin D include oily fish, such as salmon, herring and mackerel, eggs, margarine, bread and cereals)?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy. It is important to brush your teeth carefully at least twice a day. You should use dental floss to remove small pieces of food stuck between your teeth to prevent plaque from accumulating. Try to eat healthy and limit your intake of sweets and soft drinks because they are acidic and can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. You should increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy. Calcium strengthens tooth enamel and protects your teeth from erosion, while vitamin D helps your body use calcium.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have morning sickness should rinse their mouth with water every time after vomiting so that the acid does not damage their teeth. Stomach acid will soften your teeth a bit, so you need to wait about an hour before brushing your teeth (otherwise you would scratch the tooth enamel). Use a soft brush with a small head. You should avoid alcohol and tobacco products during pregnancy because, among other harmful effects, they can worsen gum disease. Rinsing your mouth daily with salt water can help reduce gingivitis.