Three dental tips mums-to-be NEED to know

You’ve taken the test (yes, that test) and the result is positive. Hurrah! So, you’ve called your family to share the exciting news, you’ve already come up with a list of possible perfect baby names, and you’ve rung your dentist to book in an all-important mum-to-be dental check-up. Wait, what?
Visiting the dentist isn’t exactly on the top of the priority to-do list for those starting a family, but Oral-B advisor and leading Australian Dentist Dr Chris Ho says it most certainly should be. Aren’t convinced? Here are Dr Chris’ top three dental tips for optimal oral care during pregnancy…
PREGNANCY DENTAL TIP #1: do book a check-up
During pregnancy, women tend to be more susceptible to gingivitis because of hormonal changes and increased blood flow in the body. So, one of the last health checks you should consider when starting a family is visiting your dentist for a check-up and clean.
PREGNANCY DENTAL TIP #2: watch out for gum disease
Gum disease is extremely common during pregnancy – around 70 per cent of pregnant ladies suffer from some form of it – so it’s important to watch out for these warning signs: tender, swollen or red gums; bleeding gums when you brush or floss; and lingering bad breath or a constant bad taste in your mouth. If you have any of these symptoms or think you might have gum disease, it’s important to visit your dentist or hygienist straight away for a professional clean and examination. If it’s caught early enough, gum disease can usually be reversed or controlled.
PREGNANCY DENTAL TIP #3: brush your teeth properly
Women tend to snack and drink more frequently throughout the day when they’re pregnant, this we know. But if said frequent snacking includes sugary foods, the chance of cavities forming increases, so it’s important to maintain exceptional brushing habits. This means brushing for two minutes, twice a day, every day. However, many people think they’re brushing for two minutes when in fact they’re actually brushing for much less time. Purchasing a toothbrush with an inbuilt timer is an ingenious way to help ensure you reach the dentist recommended time of two minutes. We love the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide for this exact reason, but also because of its unique a display unit that guides you as you brush, showing which quadrant to focus on and how much pressure to use. Brilliant.
A final wise word from bh: if you’re thinking about conceiving but haven’t visited your dentist for a while, now is definitely the time to do it. This will ensure any issues are detected and fixed before you fall pregnant – because once you’re carrying that bub, things like x-rays, anaesthetics and pain-killers aren’t always advised (and who wants to have a dental procedure without pain-killers?).
Did you know dental health was so important during pregnancy? If you’ve had a child, did you experience any dental issues while pregnant? And if you’re a mum-to-be, will you be paying more attention to your oral health from now on?
55 Member Comments
Mum loves the triumph, she says it gives an amazing clean
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A visit to the dentist every 6 months does help keep my teeth as healthy as they can be!
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I have issues with my wisdom teeth... and I was worried about them flaring up during pregnancy... luckily I didn't have any problems. I did however get bleeding gums, every time I brushed I would spit blood, but apparently that's common during pregnancy..
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Learnt something new!
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Dental hygiene is always important
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I didn't know any of this until I was well into my pregnancy. I wish I had of known earlier.
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Interesting fact I would never thought this could happen during pregnancy thanks for the heads up! xx
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i did not know dental health was any more important during pregnancy. will take note for the future!
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Thanks for the info
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I would do it more regularly if it wasn't so expensive
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I've never been pregnant before, though, these tips will be in mind when I do!
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great article, might go and book that dentist appointment- it's time for a check up and clean
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Another good reason not to get pregnant!
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Some great tips there for soon to be mums! Especially the one about getting a check up, I've heard so many sad stories about women getting xrays while pregnant or trying to get pregnant and it ends up horribly :(
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Never thought about this, thanks for bringing this up.
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True you should see the dentist but I haven't yet and I'm 25 weeks pregnant. It is on my list but with full time work commitments, doctors appointments, scans, acupuncture etc it seems to never make it to my I must do now list. (I have had my flu shot though!).
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Interesting article!!!
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Yes a lot of the apps and books on pregnancy stress the importance of good dental care, I've always taken good are of my teeth anyway but they did get a little sensitive during pregnancy.
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I am in my mid 30's and have never had fillings. I have a great dentist, and make sure my family have regular 6 month check ups.
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i hte the dentist, but for the sake of good teeth later down the track, i putup with it!
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Fantastic blog.After my sister gave birth, she had a few teeth problems and my mum did too. Very important subject.
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excellent tips! healthy teeth and gums are so important, not many people know the importance of taking care of teeth properly!
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