Dental Hygiene and Nutrition During Pregnancy

Good dental hygiene habits

Good dental hygiene is essential for preventing or controlling pregnancy gingivitis and for eliminating the bacteria from dental plaque.

It is recommended to brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and to floss at least once a day, ideally at night, in order to adequately remove dental plaque and food residues.

Tooth brushing before going to bed is very important because the production of saliva decreases at night, removing one of your mouth’s most important defense mechanisms. In addition to the usual recommendations, pregnant women should rinse their mouth with water after each small meal to limit the accumulation of food residue between the teeth and gums. If tooth brushing triggers nausea, try using a smaller brush (for children) and brushing with gentle movements. Some women prefer not to use toothpaste.