Before Pregnancy
If you are planning to start a family, make sure you make a dental appointment before getting pregnant. It is important to get your gum tissue carefully examined, teeth cleaned and have anydental problems treated before you get pregnant.

During Pregnancy Most doctors recommend avoiding dental treatments up till the third trimester.This is a precautionary measurebecausethese are critical times in the baby's growth and so the mothermust avoid being exposed to procedures that could in any way influence the baby's development. However, pregnant women can resume routine dental check-ups during the second trimester. All elective dental procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.Attend all dental check-ups during pregnancy. Because, now more than any other time, you are at an increased risk for periodontal disease and can acquire pregnancy gingivitis. You must pay special attention to yourself and check for tender, bleeding or swollen gums.Pregnant women must be careful to inform the dentist about their state and the drugs that they are consuming so that the dentist can avoid prescribing those that can harm the kids development in the mother’s womb.A good dentist will always avoid dental X-rays during pregnancy. If one is absolutely essential during a dental emergency, your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Always ensure that you follow good dental care practices to prevent and/or reduce oral health problems.Also, to avoid toothpaste triggering off morning sickness, change to a mild herbal toothpaste like Meswak during pregnancy, after consulting your dentist. Make sure to adhere to good oral hygiene practices such as tooth brushing, flossing, mouth rinse etc.

Eating Right Did you know that your baby’s teeth start developing while in the womb, about three months into pregnancy?So you must choose to eat sensibly for the sake of your child’s trouble-free oral health future. It is important that expecting mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are good for baby's developing teeth, gums, and bones.Avoid sugary snacks! Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay. Bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to the child. So be careful of what you eat and follow the above dental care tips carefully to avoid all dental problems.