If you’re suffering from morning sickness brought on by pregnancy, you’re not alone. Nearly 80 percent of pregnancies result in some sort of morning sickness. During pregnancy, and especially following morning sickness, there are a lot of things on your mind. Your teeth are probably not one of them. At my dental office in Alexandria, we have some information we’d like to share about pregnancy and tooth health.
Morning sickness exposes your teeth to a large amount of stomach acid. That acid is one of the most dangerous things for your teeth. Acid is a leading culprit to enamel erosion and decay, not to mention more serious dental concerns. So when you’re experiencing morning sickness, and there is no way to keep it from happening, how can you limit the amount of acid in your mouth?
Try These Easy Tips!
- Wait to Brush. Brushing immediately after vomiting can lead to damage. Acid weakens the enamel and if you brush while the enamel is soft, you can cause scratches that bacteria can hide in. So wait at least an hour after getting sick to brush.
- Rinse with Water. While you’re waiting for the right time to brush, it’s a good idea to initially rinse your mouth out with water. Swishing water around in the mouth and spitting it out can remove a lot of acid.
- Keep Drinking Water. You’re already drinking a lot of water, so keep on doing it. The more water you drink, the less acid will stick around in your mouth.
- Scrape the Tongue. Don’t forget about your tongue. After vomiting, get a tongue scraper and gently run it down your tongue. You can successfully remove a lot of acid that would actually end up on your teeth.
If you’re pregnant and experiencing morning sickness, I encourage you to visit my Alexandria dental office as soon as you can. We want to make sure your teeth are not suffering from the amount of acid in mouth and if they are, we’ll work with you to help you keep your teeth healthy during your pregnancy and for years to come.
Serving patients from Alexandria, Old Towne, Delray, and Potomac Yard.
