It's always the tiniest things in life that matter

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by: Adam Wright
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Word Count: 587
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 Time: 7:48 PM
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During pregnancy, there seems to a hundred and one things which need considering. Whether to breast feed or not? Should I have a home birth? Will my baby arrive on its due date or will it come early? Should I finish off that last slice of cake or not? Despite these and a whole host of other issues which arise during this wonderful time, there is one part of your body which needs an enormous amount of care and attention. And this is your teeth.

Although we normally look after our teeth by making sure to visit our dentist regularly and brushing twice a day, during pregnancy we might sidetrack this routine and concentrate on other issues which this period brings to the table. Thanks to the vast amounts of hormones hurrying around your body like an express train at Paddington Station, pregnancy is not very kind on your body and you have to consider the impact of this on your teeth. During pregnancy, the gums soften which can lead to possible health issues such as tooth decay. There isn't a single person out there who wants this to happen to them and there are a number of preventatives that you can follow so that this does not occur.

Going to the dentist

I know it might sound ridiculous but visiting your dentist regularly not only gets rid of any worries you might have about your teeth but they can also advise you on what you could further do to improve on this. Remember, it's not just your health you are putting in danger by not looking after your teeth but also your baby's.

Treatment during pregnancy

So, you've gone to the dentist and they've said "You need some work done." This was all well and dandy a few months ago but now that you're pregnant you might ask yourself is that all safe? It is believed so but within limits. When required, by having cavity fillings or crowns done during pregnancy not only treats the chance of infection but they recommend procedures such as teeth whitening should wait until your little'un appears. According to them, postponing routine x-rays on your teeth is very wise especially during your third trimester as it could harm your baby.

Any other tips?

It is always a great idea to start up or continue flossing. By removing these annoying bits of food which seem to get stuck in the smallest of cracks reduces the chance of you developing any dental issues. Although it's already been said, the cleaning of your teeth is very important especially with the toothpaste you use. You might have previously used a brand which does not contain as much fluoride so it is a wise move to ask your dentist what toothpaste they recommend. The same can apply to your toothbrush. It is believed that you should change your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become worn or start falling out. If you think it should be longer, just imagine using the same cloth to clean the sink for that amount of time. It would get pretty dirty, wouldn't it? As long as you use that same method of thinking on your teeth, this should contribute towards a healthier set of gnashers.

Although you might not consider your teeth to be an important part of your body during pregnancy, by following these small and easy to follow steps can assist your teeth in being the healthiest they can be during this most precious of times.

About the Author

If you are expecting and have worries about your oral health, or suffer a dental injury, then there are Emergency dentist24 hours who can assist you with expert help.