Pregnancy Can Affect Your Oral Health Continue Seeing Your Dentist During pregnancy, your OB will provide information about caring for yourself and your baby, but they might rarely mention your oral health. It’s important to keep this in mind since pregnant women experience dramatic increases in hormonal levels that can affect them in more ways than they might realize.
WHEN POLLEN STRIKES NIPPING SPRING ALLERGIES IN THE BUD Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening. REMOVE POLLEN FROM INDOOR AIR. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. RINSE OUT YOUR SINUSES. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. TAKE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over- the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies.
Here are a few of the conditions to look out for during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Gingivitis With increased hormone levels, your body can grow bacteria that causes gingivitis. Your immune system will also work differently while pregnant — meaning it can change how your body reacts to the bacteria. Inflamed or Bleeding Gums Pregnancy will cause inflammation throughout the entire body — including your mouth. You’ll notice your gums are more tender and bleed easier when you brush your teeth. While your first thought may be to brush less, you actually should brush and floss more! Hormones While Breastfeeding Pregnancy-related hormones stay in your body for four months after you finish breastfeeding. During this time, it’s vital to pay attention to your oral health and how these hormones affect your teeth. HOW DO YOU CARE FOR MORNING SICKNESS FROM AN ORAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVE? Many women experience vomiting and nausea while pregnant. Vomit is highly acidic and can destroy your tooth enamel. So, what can you do to protect your teeth? Brushing After Rinsing If you brush too soon, you can increase the damage to your enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid before brushing. Chewing Sugarless Gum Gum with xylitol can help increase saliva to balance the acidic environment in your mouth. So, after rinsing with water, it may be beneficial to chew on a piece of gum for at least 20 minutes before brushing. Changing Toothpaste If you’re experiencing nausea, you may have food and smell aversions. Changing your toothpaste flavor with a scent that’s easier to stomach may improve your situation. Children’s fluoride toothpaste is a great option! We understand being pregnant and caring for an infant is tiresome, but please make your oral health a priority during this time. Continue to brush and floss twice a day, use mouth rinse, and visit your dentist for checkups. Please call us today if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment. We would love to congratulate you in person and ensure your oral health remains in the best condition possible.
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