![Why You Need To Brush Up On Your Dental Hygiene When Pregnant](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/2476/520253/5f6ae1df05045/Dental-Hygiene.jpg)
Your levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone skyrocket when you're pregnant and this storm of hormones leads to many physical changes in your body, which include the oral cavity. So, visiting your dentist should be on your to-do list.
Your saliva changes in pregnancy, which makes you more likely to get cavities.
“The main salivary changes in pregnancy involve its flow (there’s more of it), composition, and pH and hormone levels,” explains Dr Eshaam Abdurahman from Paarl in the Western Cape. Progesterone decreases the pH of saliva, and the increased acidity speeds up the dissolving of the (already compromised) tooth. Other changes alter the natural defence mechanisms of the teeth and create conditions that allow bacteria to flourish.
Plaque control is crucial in pregnancy. Plaque formation can lead to periodontal disease, and research shows a link between this and preterm low birth weight. Research published by the Journal of Periodontology suggests that visiting an oral hygienist or dentist cuts the risks of preterm or low-weight birth by a third. It showed severe gum infections cause an increase in the production of chemicals that induce labour. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush, as they remove more plaque.
MORE MOUTH CHANGES TO WATCH FOR
Morning sickness leading to vomiting in your first trimester, and heartburn in your third trimester, could harm your teeth. “The gastric acids in the vomit or reflux can erode the enamel on the inner surface of the teeth, most commonly the front teeth,” Dr Abdurahman says.
“If you are vomiting frequently, rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards with a solution that contains sodium bicarbonate. This neutralises the acids, and it prevents the damage.”
Esta historia es de la edición October/November 2020 de Your Pregnancy.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October/November 2020 de Your Pregnancy.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
![COVID & your child](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/6197606362c65/crp_Covid-Children-Coronavirus-MIS-C-Covid-Vaccines-Vaccines-children-Immune-compromised.jpg)
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
![EYES WIDE OPEN!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/61977ed999ab1/crp_EYES-WIDE-OPEN.jpg)
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
![RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/6197769684938/crp_RAISINGA-BRATTIME-FOR-A-RESET.jpg)
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
![Prioritise REST!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/61976dc1dabe7/crp_Prioritise-REST.jpg)
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
![CRYING CLUES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/61977d15b1154/crp_CRYING-CLUES.jpg)
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
![Pushing isn't all you need to do!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/61976ebea6a00/crp_Pushingisnt-all-you-need-to-do.jpg)
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
![We're all NERVOUS about it!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/61977b375171a/crp_Were-all-NERVOUS-about-it.jpg)
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
![FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/619774d95e5d5/crp_FOUR-FOOTED-FAMILYMEMBERS.jpg)
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
![Here's to HAPPIER beach days!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/6197713a76f3a/crp_Heres-to-HAPPIER-beachdays.jpg)
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
![TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2476/793859/619772375eaaa/crp_TALKSO-YOUREHEARD.jpg)
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.