Mother’s Day is just around the corner.  There’s an old wives tale that one tooth is lost with every pregnancy, but thankfully that’s not true.  However, moms-to-be and new moms have special dental concerns. 

Did you know that women’s gum health can be impacted by various hormonal surges?  During puberty, a woman’s monthly cycle, and pregnancy- women are more prone to periodontal disease.  It’s important for pregnant women to keep their gums healthy.  Pregnancy-related gingivitis can occur as early as the second month of pregnancy.  There is a link between pre-term, low birth weight babies and mothers with untreated periodontal disease.  Talk to Dr. Kubiliun, Jupiter’s top dentist, if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, so that any concerns about gum health can be addressed.

Many routine dental care procedures are safe for any stage of pregnancy.  However, if you need a major procedure, it’s best to also consult with your obstetrician, especially if you need anesthesia or need medication.  X-rays should be limited to dental emergencies.  

Between the third and sixth months of pregnancy, your baby’s teeth begin to develop.  That’s why it’s important to eat healthy when you are eating for two!  Vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorous are essential nutrients for building baby’s healthy teeth. 

Morning sickness can also take its toll on a new mom’s teeth.  Ninety percent of women have some kind of nausea or vomiting during pregnancy and this can really impact your tooth enamel because of the exposure of teeth to stomach acid. Rinse the mouth with water after a morning sickness incident, but wait to brush.  Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can also protect your teeth.  You may also want to try a combination of water and baking soda as a rinse.  The baking soda will neutralize the stomach acid.  It’s important if you are experiencing symptoms of morning sickness to make your mouth less acidic overall in order to preserve your enamel.  Avoid carbonated beverages and other high acid drinks.  You may also need to switch to a softer tooth brush during your pregnancy.  It might be helpful to switch to a toothpaste that supports enamel health. 

Happy Mother’s Day!  Jupiter’s moms deserve the best dental care and we’re here with our friendly staff to answer all your questions, whether you are a mom-to-be, new mom or adding to your growing family.  Moms do so much for us and we’re happy to help all moms achieve optimal dental health. 

From all of us here at Harbor Breeze Dental Care- Thank you for taking the time to read this article! 

Please share with your friends and remember to KEEP SMILING!

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