For many women looking to get pregnant or who are already pregnant dental health is not one of their top concerns. Even if you've done some prep work, made changes to your diet, and stopped drinking or smoking, you may not have put much thought into your teeth and the health of your mouth. However, you must pay close attention to your dental health as your oral health care, or lack thereof, can increase the potential for preterm labor. You can find more information about oral health care and how you can potentially be impacting your future child's dental health by reading up on Oral Health Care During Pregnancy.
Steps to Impeccable Oral Health
If you haven't had a dental checkup recently, you should make an appointment now. Mention to your care provider that you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon. You want to ensure you have a healthy mouth to avoid any risks of preterm labor associated with poor oral health, specifically gum disease. Also, your dental health and cavity care can impact your future child after being born.
Germs help create cavities, and those germs can be passed on to your baby if the cavities remain unfixed. These germs can also cause future oral care problems for your little one. Think of your oral healthcare as care for two.
These risks are why it is essential to pay special attention to your mouth. Some easy things you can do to help prevent cavities and gum disease include:
- Twice daily brushing
- Once-daily flossing
- Eating healthy foods and fewer sweets
- Drink water instead of sodas or juices
- See your dentist if you suspect you are having any problems, do not wait until after your baby is born
Incorporating these tips into your life can go a long way in keeping early labor at bay.
For more information see our write up of dental health during pregnancy.