Help for Expectant Moms In This Time Of Covid-19 Quarantine: What to do when you can't see your Dentist when pregnant!
by Lori Herren May 01, 2020
4 min read
The human body goes through numerous changes during pregnancy due to changing and shifting hormones. As estrogen and progesterone increase so do symptoms like vomiting and nausea. These hormonal changes can also make you experience a greater increase in risk for dental plaque. This buildup of plaque can be the main cause of bleeding gums and inflammation, a condition we know as pregnancy gingivitis. The CDC states that this condition affects 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women. You hear an abundance of health care information about morning sickness, weight gain, ankles swelling, and strange food cravings, but bleeding and swollen gums and pregnancy sensitive teeth and toothaches aren't popular topics, even though they can affect a large percentage of pregnant women.
Help At Home
If being pregnant wasn't challenging enough, it has become increasingly difficult during this season of quarantine for the Covid-19 virus. It has changed everything in our world, including dental treatment, due to the fact that most dental offices have been closed during the pandemic. How do you continue the right at-home dental care and face these dental challenges when you can't get out to see your Dentist? You can start by identifying foods and drinks that increase your sensitivity or pain. Some pregnant women find that sensitivity increases when they eat hot foods or drink hot beverages, where other women have developed sensitivity to cold drinks or cold foods. Mouthwashes containing alcohol could also increase your sensitivity or pain. Some dentists recommend a salt water mouth rinse with warm water. This could potentially offer some relief from swelling and inflammation. Another solution you can try is to apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to relieve any pain you may have from inflammation. Ask your doctor or dentist whether it’s safe to take an over-the-counter tooth antiseptic containing benzocaine or pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol), that is usually the preferred over the counter drug for pregnant women. All your professional dental needs: dental work, dental x-rays, and any dental treatment can be discussed with your Dentist once restrictions are lifted and dental offices are able to return back to a normal schedule.
Routine Is Key!
The most important way to maintain good personal dental care is make sure you always stick to a good routine, (even when you are no longer pregnant). As most dentists recommend to everyone, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and don't forget the importance of also flossing at least once a day. Also, make sure to always use a fluoride toothpaste. If you experience morning sickness, rinse your mouth out with water and drink plenty of water. This helps to remove stomach acid from teeth. Dental experts recommend don’t immediately brush your teeth after getting sick. This might seem strange and a bit irritating, but the acidity level in your mouth increases after vomiting. Immediate brushing can end up doing more harm than good, so make sure to wait at least an hour after vomiting before brushing your teeth. No need to risk harming your teeth!
Eating Healthy Makes A Difference!
What you eat during your pregnancy affects the development of your baby, including the development of baby's teeth ,
which occurs between the third and sixth month of pregnancy. The American Dental Association encourages you to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain, healthy dairy, and lean proteins and try to avoid sugary foods and beverages during pregnancy.
This Season Won't Last Forever!
The good news is that all these dental issues you are encountering during pregnancy will improve and most likely be gone after giving birth, when your hormone levels return to normal. Obviously no one has any control over all these changes to the body during pregnancy, but you can control how you take care of your own personal dental health. Take this opportunity to provide yourself with an important tool that will help your swollen, bleeding pregnancy gums and help you better deal with your oral health.
What's Available To Help Me?
Designed specifically to nurture a pregnant woman's sensitive teeth and gums with soft bristles, The Baby Buddy by Brilliant Expectant Mom Toothbrush will ease these effects, helping to lower your risk for gum disease, and bring back your smile during pregnancy, this most special time in your life.
How Can A Toothbrush Make A Difference?
This toothbrush is round! That means the bristles on this toothbrush clean everywhere and in every direction. That's why we call it "The Can't-Miss Toothbrush." By using it, you literally can't miss! The brush is designed with over 18,000 extra-soft, microfiber bristles that brush, massage, and clean your mouth better than a plain flat toothbrush. The round brush head design removes 2x more plaque while cleaning the teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. It's amazing, you can brush top and bottom teeth at the same time, saving precious time. And these are soft bristles, designed specifically for an expectant mom's tender and bleeding gums, which we know become more sensitive during pregnancy. This special toothbrush was created to support sensitive teeth, toothache in pregnancy and all the dental health issues that can occur for expectant moms. Pregnancy causes an increase in progesterone levels in your body which can make it easier for some bacteria to grow that can cause gingivitis. This can make your gum tissues more sensitive to plaque that forms. This toothbrush was created to provide healthier dental care for pregnant women's sensitive teeth and gums. Designed with extra-soft bristles for gentle, yet effective brushing for expectant moms under these special circumstances. Good dental health is an important part of prenatal and postnatal care. We want to bring the dental care women need and deserve with much less discomfort while brushing during pregnancy. 
Lori Herren
Lori D. Herren is a graduate of the University of West Georgia where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications for Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations, with minors in Marketing and Music. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and pursuing her love of music.
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