During pregnancy your body experiences a surge of hormones which can exaggerate you body’s normal response to plaque. If you do not maintain good oral hygiene habits including daily brushing and flossing you may experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. During pregnancy gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, tender and prone to bleeding. You can prevent gingivitis by brushing at least twice daily and flossing. Routine cleanings can be performed throughout your pregnancy to help avoid gingivitis. At Parke dentistry we recommend the Rotadent toothbrush and Breath RX professional breath freshening system for our pregnant patients.

• If you suffer from morning sickness rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as often as possible to neutralize the acid.
• If brushing causes morning sickness rinse with water, brush without toothpaste, and follow with anti-plaque fluoride mouthwash
• Eat a well balance diet with plenty of vitamin C and B12
• See Dr. Stephanie Parke, DDS for help in controlling plaque and preventing gingivitis