The oral health of pregnant women is an increasingly controversial subject, due to the myths that exist around it. Pregnancy is a phase of many changes for the pregnant woman. These changes can be physical, psychological and hormonal. Is it safe to take care of your teeth and your entire oral cavity during pregnancy? Can you use mouthwash during pregnancy ?
These are the questions we will answer in this article, while showing you how you can proceed during your pregnancy to better manage certain situations that may arise.
Here is a guide that will explain why it is important to use mouthwash during your pregnancy and how to do it. You can also find out what other things you can do to maintain good oral health. Your dentist will recommend a suitable pregnancy mouthwash.
A sensitive oral cavity during pregnancy
In the oral cavity, as a reflection of hormonal, cardiovascular and emotional changes, there is an increase in blood supply to the gums, which results in a greater tendency for bacteria to accumulate and, consequently, accentuated gum inflammation.
If you add to this inflammation (which is natural during pregnancy) poor oral hygiene, several dental problems can occur, from simple gingivitis to the development of periodontal disease (a disease that affects the tissues that support the teeth), an infectious disease with a high potential for bone destruction.
It is therefore important to know how to choose the best toothpastes and other products to use during pregnancy. Several studies link periodontal infection to fetal growth retardation, premature delivery and low birth weight babies.
See your dentist during pregnancy
Very often, expectant mothers do not consult the dentist during pregnancy for fear that dental care will negatively influence the development of the baby, and also for fear of dental treatments. However, this concept is completely false and inappropriate nowadays.
A pregnant woman can and should undergo dental treatment during pregnancy, keeping in mind that the most comfortable and safest time for dental care is the second trimester. Talk to your dentist, explain your doubts and anxieties, let him or her evaluate your oral health and take the necessary treatments to prevent any pain or infection during this best time of your life, pregnancy. By taking care of your oral health, you are taking care of your baby's health.
Mouthwash during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time when you may experience oral changes. It is essential to ignore all the false information about oral hygiene during pregnancy, and always remember to consult your dentist. In case of problems, do not self-medicate. Many women suffer from recurrent morning vomiting, which is responsible for a drop in pH (hydrogen potential) in the mouth and a decrease in saliva production. Taking a mouthwash directly after vomiting can help, and it is important to look after your health and that of your baby. Women who are at increased risk for dental caries should follow these recommendations:
- Rinse your mouth: Whenever you have vomiting, you should immediately wash your mouth afterwards, preferably with a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Check the quality of your toothbrush: Choose a medium-hard electric sonic toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Dental Floss: Floss daily, only floss can clean the contact surfaces between teeth.
- Control your diet: Eat a balanced diet, avoiding sugary foods and soft drinks.
- Consult your dentist: For impeccable oral hygiene, follow your dentist's advice.
You can use Y-Brush dental floss. It is a dental floss that allows to clean efficiently and delicately between each tooth and is very easy to use thanks to its handle. The floss is easily inserted in the interstices and interdental spaces, and does not damage the gums. It allows an effective care as well as a good oral hygiene.
We hope this guide has helped you understand why your oral cavity is more sensitive during your pregnancy. We also hope that you have understood why it is important to see your dentist during your pregnancy. Only he or she can advise you on the most appropriate mouthwash and also explain in detail the diet you should have.
