Pregnancy is exciting with a new baby on the way. There are a lot of changes that happy to the female body when pregnant. There is an abundance of additional hormones from pregnancy that can cause nausea and sickness, food cravings and a lack of energy.

Poor Oral Health can increase the risk of dental decay and gum disease for yourself and your baby. Pregnancy hormones can cause inflammation in your gums causing them to appear red and puffy and bleed more frequently when you brush or floss your teeth. This is an indication of gum disease called “pregnancy gingivitis”, which can be managed by having your teeth cleaned and improving your brushing habits. Morning sickness or frequent vomiting and food cravings can increase acid levels in your mouth and an increase in plaque accumulation which can lead to erosion and tooth decay.

It is important to keep your mouth healthy before, during and after pregnancy. Visit a dental professional either before you become pregnant or during the second trimester once you start feeling better. It is safe to have dental treatment when you are pregnant, although it is preferred to wait for some treatments until after you have had the baby.

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, morning, and night, try not to rinse your mouth afterwards. Use a soft toothbrush. Clean between your teeth and under your gums with dental floss daily. If you have morning sickness DO NOT brush your teeth straight after vomiting - rinse your mouth with water and wipe a smear of fluoride toothpaste over your teeth, this will help to protect your teeth from your stomach acids.

Eating well during pregnancy is important for your general health and your baby’s health. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will be nourishing. Try to limit sweet snacks to avoid additional acid attacks for your teeth. Drink plenty of tap water which contains fluoride and helps protect your teeth throughout the day. Milk and dairy foods low in added sugar are good sources of calcium and help to protect your teeth.

Once you have had baby, it is important not to share utensils, toothbrushes and saliva with baby as this can transfer any bacteria from your mouth to baby’s mouth and put baby at an increased risk of having tooth decay and gum disease. This includes not putting baby’s dummy in your mouth to ‘clean’ it after it has been dropped, use water instead. Start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear and ensure you book their first dental visit before they are two.