Health Tip: Keep Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

Regular dental checkups and proper daily hygiene are important during pregnancy.

The American Dental Association (ADA) offers these suggestions for pregnant women:

• Use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice daily. Floss teeth at least once daily, as well.
• Eat healthy, nutritious foods and keep snacking on sugary or fatty foods to a minimum.
• Get regular dental checkups.
• Talk to your dentist about using an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
• Discuss any problems with your dentist, such as gums that bleed, swell or become red.
• If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with a mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda and water. Avoid brushing just after vomiting to prevent contact of more stomach acids with the teeth.