Pregnancy dental care: what to expect?

Some recommendations by prenatal care health professionals and dental health professionals regarding oral health care during pregnancy:

• Get oral health treatment, as recommended by your dentist prior to delivery
• Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all drugs you are taking – including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor – as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information.
• If X-rays are essential (such as in a dental emergency), Dr. Beeram and staff will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.
• Practice good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
• Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or more often if the bristles are frayed.
• Rinse nightly with an over-the-counter fluoridated, alcohol-free mouth rinse.
• If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, we will be happy to recommend a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Additionally, after vomiting, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water to stop acid from attacking your teeth.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products and eat fewer foods high in sugar.
• Drink water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks and choose water or milk instead of juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or soda.