Pregnancy can be a thrilling time that’s full of anticipation and excitement. And while moms-to-be often have a schedule that’s full of prenatal care — from doctors’ appointments to vitamin regimens and beyond — the last thing that may be on your mind is your own teeth!

While the playbook for healthy teeth during and after pregnancy looks a lot like the oral health tips that we’d advise for anyone at our SMILE Advanced Dental Center in Summerville, SC, there are a few additional dynamics that expectant mothers should be mindful of.

We recommend these five general dentistry tips for pregnancy.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft brush.

We don’t have to tell you that there are a lot of changes taking place in your body during pregnancy, but what you might not realize is that some of those changes can have an impact on your teeth and gums! 

Shifting hormone levels as well as changes in your body’s blood flow and volume could create a situation where your gums are more sensitive and bleed a little easier than usual.

For that reason, you’ll want to consider changing to a soft bristle brush (if you aren’t using one already!) to brush your teeth twice a day. An electric toothbrush might be the right decision for you, too, to help control the pressure applied to your teeth.

Whether you’re using a manual or electric toothbrush, it’s important to not brush too hard — or “saw” back and forth — as this can lead to bleeding gums. Instead, brush gently with small, circular motions, to reach all sides of the tooth. Don’t forget your tongue!

2. Floss with caution at least once a day.

Flossing is an important part of your routine for oral health because it removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. 

But, while pregnant, you may notice your gums bleeding more when you floss. So, a water flosser can be a helpful and more gentle tool to get the job done.

3. Rinse your mouth out.

Many times, pregnancy can be accompanied by “morning sickness,” which can actually occur any time of the day.

If this has been your experience, it’s important to make sure you’re preventing that stomach acid from negatively impacting your smile and eroding your tooth enamel. Rinsing your mouth out with a baking soda solution can help neutralize that acid. Try mixing one cup of water with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.

At the very least, give your teeth a quick brush or rinse your mouth with water once the nausea passes.

4. Maintain a healthy diet.

What you eat when you’re pregnant isn’t just crucial for your health and the health of your baby, it’s important for your teeth!

Limiting processed sweets, candy (especially sticky candy!), highly acidic foods, and sugary drinks can be helpful for your oral health, too, because sugar converts to acid in the mouth, which can erode your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. 

You’re probably also cutting out wine and may be reducing your coffee and tea consumption while pregnant. The bonus here is that you may notice less teeth staining as a result!

5. Continue your routine check-ups and professional cleaning.

A routine dental cleaning and exam every six months is the most preventive — and vital — treatment you can do for your oral health, whether you’re pregnant or not! That’s because your dental professional will not just clean built-up plaque and tartar, but they will also be able to identify and treat any tooth decay or gum disease or identify any other possible concerns before they become problems.

This six-month appointment will likely fall within your pregnancy, so don’t put it off! Just make sure you let your dental professional know that you’re pregnant.

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Congratulations to all the moms-to-be! If you need to set up that dental cleaning and exam, don’t forget to give us a call at 843-873-1261 or schedule an appointment here.