Taking good care of your oral health is important for you and your baby. It is safe and important to get oral health care when you are pregnant. Practicing good oral hygiene, eating healthy foods, and getting oral health care will help keep you and your baby healthy.
Tips for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy when you are pregnant:
- Eat healthy foods, like whole-grain products; fruits; vegetables; and lowfat milk, cheese, cottage cheese, and unsweetened yogurt. Meats, fish, chicken, eggs, beans, and nuts are also good choices.
- Drink water, especially between meals and snacks. Drink tap water that has fluoride.
- Eat healthy snacks, like fruits; vegetables; and low-fat milk, cheese, cottage cheese, and unsweetened yogurt.
- Eat fewer sweets like candy, cookies, cake, and dried fruits. Drink fewer sugary drinks like fruit-flavored drinks, pop (soda), and fruit juice. If you eat sweets or drink sugary drinks, have them only at mealtimes.
- Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. Do not rinse after brushing. The small amount of toothpaste that stays in your mouth is good for the teeth.
- Floss once a day before bed.
- Rinse every night with an over-the-counter alcohol-free mouthrinse with fluoride.
- If you vomit, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. This helps prevent damage to your teeth.
- Get oral health care. If your last dental visit took place more than 6 months ago or if you have any oral health problems or concerns, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.
- Tell the dental clinic that you are pregnant and your due date. This information will help staff provide the best care for you.
Photos requiring credits: Jen Gallardo / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND
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Resource Type: Publication
National Centers: Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Audience: Families
Series: Healthy Habits for Happy Smiles
Last Updated: August 26, 2024