Dental Care Guidelines During Your Pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association and the government have collaborated on a Consensus Statement providing guidance for prenatal care health professionals and dental health professionals regarding oral health care during pregnancy. Here are the official findings from these prestigious professionals:
- Do not share your toothbrush.
- Practice good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy.
- Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an inter dental cleaner.
- Get oral health treatment, as recommended by your dentist prior to delivery.
- Rinse nightly with an over-the-counter fluoridated, alcohol-free mouth rinse.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or more often if the bristles are frayed.
- Dental care, including use of X-rays, pain medication, and local anesthesia, is safe throughout pregnancy.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products and eat fewer foods high in sugar.
- Drink water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks and choose water or milk instead of juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or soda.
- After eating, chew xylitol-containing gum or use other xylitol-containing products, such as mints, to help reduce bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
- If X-rays are essential (such as in a dental emergency), Dr. Hadaegh will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.
- If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, we will be happy to recommend a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Additionally, after vomiting, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water to stop acid from attacking your teeth.
- Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all drugs you are taking – including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor – as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information.
