3 Pregnancy Tips You Weren’t Expecting
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 other symptoms, but they matter more than you realize. Here’s how to keep your smile healthy 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. Plus, studies consistently link periodontal disease to pre-term and low-birth-weight babies.
You’re brushing for 2.
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.
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 a 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.
Prepare your smile for pregnancy with our other mom-to-be blogs.
Related stories
-
Understand Your Dental Plan Coverage: Make the most of your benefits in 2020
Get a head start on next year’s benefits game plan. The more you inform yourself, the more … Read More
-
Tips for Dentists: How to Check Patient Benefits and Eligibility
Did you know that Delta Dental of Wisconsin offers an easy way to check your patient’s benefits … Read More
-
One Rule No One Should Break
Sending little ones to bed without brushing may not seem like a big deal, but cavities are … Read More
Sign Up Now
Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 305 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 166 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 91 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 70 Likes
- 5 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 53 Likes
- 6 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 49 Likes
- 7 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 44 Likes
- 8 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 39 Likes
- 9 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 38 Likes
- 10 Signs of diabetic eye problems 36 Likes