7 tips on how to take care of your oral health during pregnancy!

Sponsored by GUM

Did you know that bleeding gums and gum disease affect around 75% of all pregnant women and can lead to complications for both you and your baby? That's why it's so important to listen to both your stomach and your mouth to feel good and enjoy your pregnancy to the full. Together with GUM, we've listed our top tips for looking after your mouth and getting healthier teeth.

Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation that can be really painful and lead to big problems if you don't do anything about it. A first step to healthier mouth and teeth can be to change your toothpaste to one that reduces bacteria and strengthens teeth, such as GUM PAROEX, which many dental professionals recommend.

Bleeding gums and mouth pain
During pregnancy, it is common for women to have a weakened immune system, hormonal changes and changes in their mucous membranes. Combined with diet, nausea and snacking, these can cause problems with your gums. Bacteria thrive between teeth and under the gum line, where the toothbrush has difficulty reaching. Bacteria can produce toxic substances, which contribute to inflammation of the gums, causing bleeding, swelling and pain.

Research shows that three out of four pregnant women suffer from gum problems during pregnancy. If you bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth, you have an inflammation, also known as gingivitis or pregnancy gingivitis if you suffer from it while pregnant. If you experience this, it is important to treat it immediately, as it can also affect the fetus.

How can your baby be affected by your oral bacteria?
If left untreated, bleeding gums and gum disease can lead to chronic gum disease, and bacteria can spread through the blood to the fetus. Research shows that severe gum disease during pregnancy can increase the risk of your baby being born prematurely, but also that the baby may be born with low birth weight. The natural connection between the stomach and the mouth is important to listen to. In fact, a healthy mouth has a major impact on your well-being and general health. That's why it's especially important to take care of your mouth during pregnancy!

7 tips for better oral and dental health during pregnancy

1. Continue to visit the dentist and/or dental hygienist regularly and be sure to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes morning and evening and clean between your teeth before brushing.
2. If you have gum problems, you should use a special toothpaste for gum problems, PAROEX GUM contains two antibacterial substances and fluoride that reduce bacteria and prevent tooth decay. PAROEX GUM The mint-flavored toothpaste can be used as a regular toothpaste every day, for a healthier mouth.
3. Important to get rid of the bacteria between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach: clean between your teeth with a floss or interdental brush before brushing, at least once a day. Bacteria easily accumulate between teeth and can contribute to inflammation and plaque. Try the gentle interdental brush GUM® SOFT-PICKS® PRO which effectively cleans between teeth with soft rubber bristles.
4. Choose water over other drinks!
5. Use a high-quality, effective and soft toothbrush, such as GUM SONIC DAILY.
6. If you need to snack to keep your nausea or mood in check, for example, try to avoid sugar.
7. If you are nauseous and vomiting, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth so that the stomach acid does not eat away at your teeth. To freshen up your mouth straight away, you can use a fluoride rinse.

GUM has a complete range of high-quality oral care products to help you take the best care of your mouth. Before, during and after pregnancy!

Check out more tips at GUM!

As an expectant mother, you are responsible for two lives. By being aware of the risks of inflamed gums and acting to avoid this problem, you can create a secure foundation for you and your child. By investing time and care in your teeth, you are investing in your and your child's future!