Rinsing for Expectant Moms
When you are pregnant, your hormones are constantly fluctuating, which can have an effect on the health of your gums and teeth, making your mouth more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque. This is why pregnancy is a risk factor for gum disease. In fact, one study found that many pregnant women need better dental care to protect their gums and teeth. To protect your oral health, follow this rinse routine twice daily so you have one less thing to worry about over the next 9 months.
Mouthwash Routine for Expecting Moms
TIP: Fortify your daily diet with foods especially good fro gum health, such as fruits packed with vitamin C but also low in acidity, such as kiwi and honeydew melon.
Note: After completing your healthy-mouth routine, its important to refrain from eating and drinking for 30 minutes.
Pour 20 ml (4 teaspoons) of Listerine Antiseptic rinse into a paper cup.
Empty the cup into your mouth. Do not dilute the solution with water.
Swish for a full 30 seconds (try counting to 30 in your head, or using a stopwatch). Don't worry, if you can't get to 30 seconds the first time - it gets easier each time you try.
During rinsing, swish your mouth.
Spit the solution out in the sink.
Maintain Overall Mouth Health
Remember that a full rinse routine also includes brushing and flossing.
Special Considerations for Pregnant Women
Gum Irritation
Expecting a baby does not mean you automatically have problems with your gums or teeth. It just means you’ll want to take extra-special care of your mouth during this time to maintain your oral health. Some of the unusual things you can expect to possibly happen during your pregnancy are inflamed gums that are irritated, puffy and red and bleed a little when brushed or flossed (if you experience these symptoms, know that they typically disappear after pregnancy).
Mouth Growths
During the second trimester, some pregnant women also experience overgrowths of tissue that appear on their gums. These are noncancerous growths that are dark purplish-red in color and may be a form of plaque. Visit your dentist for advice.
Tips for Oral Health During Pregnancy
Tell your dentist that you are pregnant, which may affect treatments and x-rays.
If your gums flare up, start brushing after each meal.
Be vigilant about flossing daily.
Rinse daily with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
If and when you experience morning sickness, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterward, to reduce contact of bacteria with gums and teeth.
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