Pregnancy Article:

Pregnancy and Oral Health with Toni Pearen

Coutesy of: Toni Pearen

Australian celebrity and mum-to-be Toni Pearen is renowned for her great smile. Below she shares some advice and tips for good dental health, especially during pregnancy, with Mum Zone readers.

Toni recently hosted a fantastic power brushing record event at Martin Place to mark the start of the Australian Dental Association’s Dental Health Week.

When you're pregnant, you know how important it is to take special care of your body. However, you should also know that pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums. That's because hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy can increase your chances of developing gum disease. So while you are pregnant, make sure you practice good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing every day. By combining this routine with a healthy, balanced diet and regular dental visits, you will not only help avoid dental problems of your own, you will also contribute to the healthy development of your baby.

Pregnancy causes hormonal fluctuations that increase your risk of gum disease. The changing hormone levels in your body can make your gums more sensitive to harmful plaque - the colourless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Furthermore, if you already have signs of gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse. This is why it's vital to pay more careful attention to your daily brushing and flossing routine to keep plaque under control.

Plaque is one of the main causes of gum disease. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it will accumulate on the teeth and below the gum line, which can lead to gingivitis - the first stage of gum disease. If ignored, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, in which the gums and bones that support your teeth and keep them in place are permanently damaged.

As many as 70% of women have some form of gum disease during pregnancy, so watch out for these warning signs:

• Your gums are tender, swollen, or red
• Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
• You can't get rid of bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

If you think you might have gum disease, visit your dentist or hygienist right away for a professional cleaning and exam: if caught early enough, gum disease can usually be reversed or controlled.

As soon as you believe that you are pregnant, tell your dentist because it may not be safe to have x-rays during pregnancy. You should also let your dentist know if you are trying to get pregnant: knowing this can help in planning x-rays or other treatments. Tell your dentist what medicines you are taking and if your physician has given you any specific medical advice, as it may affect the treatment given.

Australian celebrity and expectant mum Toni Pearen is renowned for her great smile and knows the importance of healthy teeth and gums. She says:

"I brush my teeth using a power toothbrush and floss morning and night. Since being pregnant, dental health is even more paramount. I love my Oral-B power brush - the thing I love most about it is it times you so you brush each time for 2 minutes, which is recommended by dentists for good dental hygiene. After brushing your teeth feel so clean, like you've been to the dentist!"

As a mother-to-be, what you do to take care of your health (including your diet) affects the development of your baby's teeth and gums. As your body goes through a process of change, it is also important to pay particular attention to your own oral hygiene. Maintaining a good daily oral hygiene routine can help keep potential problems from developing. Don't forget that this is a time in your life to enjoy the natural changes that take place in your body - so radiate health and vitality by keeping your smile bright!

Pregnancy and oral hygiene - a quick guide:

• Brush thoroughly at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
• Consider using a power toothbrush. Independent studies show oscillation rotation technology (used in Oral-B power toothbrushes) removes twice as much plaque as a manual toothbrush.
• Remember to floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline.
• Eat a well balanced diet, rich in calcium; this will help you and your unborn baby get all the nutrients you both need and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Keep your dental office informed about your pregnancy and any changes in medication.
• Continue to visit your dentist or hygienist for regular checkups.

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