A woman has a lot to think about when she is pregnant. Women who are pregnant should take care of their teeth, for themselves and their kids. Most regular dental care is safe to do while pregnant, but you should avoid certain medicines and procedures for the first three months. Let your dentist know if you are expecting.

1. Take care of your teeth when you have morning sickness. Some pregnant women have morning sickness, which can include vomiting or acid reflux. Tooth erosion is more likely to happen when you vomit or have acid reflux, but there are a few things you can do to lower the risk. When you get over morning sickness, make sure you brush your teeth well. If you’re not at home and don’t have your toothbrush with you, rinse your mouth out with water right away or chew sugar-free gum. You can brush your teeth when you get home.
2. Make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Gum disease can hurt both you and your baby’s health. Poor tooth health in mothers has been linked to kids being born early and having low birth weight. Having healthy gums can also stop bacteria from getting to your baby.
3. Keep an eye out for changes in your mouth health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your body change in many ways. Bad breath, swollen, red, or bleeding gums are all signs of gum disease that you should watch out for. If any of these things happen to you while you’re pregnant, you should see a doctor.
4. Give up smoking! People who use tobacco items are not healthy! If you smoke while you’re pregnant, it’s bad for both you and your baby. Too much tobacco use can cause many illnesses, including gum disease. You and your partner will both be better off if you quit!
5. Take care of your teeth while you’re pregnant. Getting your teeth and gums cleaned by a dentist is important during pregnancy to keep them healthy. Make an appointment with your doctor during your second trimester. Tell them you are pregnant and about any medicines or pregnancy vitamins you are taking.

Here are some more things to remember while you’re pregnant:

• If the taste of your toothpaste is making you sick, switch brands or choose a subtler flavor.
• For the next nine months, make sure you brush your front and back teeth really well. Make it a habit to brush the gum line to avoid gingivitis and the bite areas and teeth to avoid oral caries (decay).
• Your eating habits and what you eat will probably change while you’re pregnant! Also, make sure to change how you take care of your teeth at home. In order to avoid cavities, brush your teeth again after a midnight snack.
• Along with cleaning and flossing, make sure to rinse your teeth out with a fluoride mouthwash.