You’re pregnant! Congratulations! What an amazing time for you, you’re probably reading every parent guidebook you can find and making sure you have a nursery all set up for the little one.

You need to make sure you’re also looking after yourself as your body goes through so many changes during pregnancy. Did you know your mouth and oral health can be affected during pregnancy?

Morning Sickness

The dreaded morning sickness, a very common side effect of pregnancy especially in the first trimester. If you are experiencing sickness and vomiting, try to avoid brushing your teeth for at least half an hour after you’ve been sick. Your teeth will be covered in stomach acids and brushing can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth. Rinsing your mouth out with plain water straight after can help remove the horrible taste from your mouth.

We all know how horrible it is brushing your teeth when you feel sick, if you’re tempted to skip brushing your teeth, try using a smaller toothbrush first. You can buy small toothbrushes from the dentist or even a child’s one will be small enough.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Another common side effect of pregnancy is gingivitis, this is because of the high progesterone hormone levels which make you more susceptible to developing bacterial plaque.

If you notice bleeding, pain or swelling when you brush your teeth this could be signs of gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include:

swollen gums
tender, puffy gums
bleeding gums
receding gums
red gums
bad breath

Although you can’t control your hormones, you can take extra measures to protect your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is a must. If your gums are sensitive, you can use a softer toothbrush which doesn’t irritate as much. Try to eat a balanced healthy diet; fruit, veg, whole grains and dairy products as well as water and milk instead of fizzy pop.

Keeping your smile healthy during pregnancy!