Pregnancy is a time of great change, and the change can include your dental health.

The possibility of tooth decay is greatly increased during pregnancy, partially because of common pregnancy cravings and a lack of energy (no toothbrushing before bed).

Morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay by exposing your teeth to gastric acid. It is a good idea to rinse your mouth out after morning sickness.

It’s your change in hormones that contribute the most to “pregnancy gingivitis” (inflammation of gum tissue). If left untreated, severe gum disease can cause tooth loss and your smile could end up looking more like your newborns than anyone else’s.

To avoid severe pregnancy gingivitis, keep a good dental hygiene routine.

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• Brush at least twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush,
• floss at least once daily and
• maintain a healthy diet.
• Visit with your dentist regularly during pregnancy to catch any developing problems.

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There are so many things to worry about while pregnant, don’t let dental problems be one of them. And as crazy as it sounds, if you have a healthy mouth during pregnancy, your baby will be more likely to have a healthy mouth as well. So if for no other reason, see your dentist while pregnant and keep up those brushing and flossing routines so one day your child will have a beautiful smile too.