Pregnancy is an amazing time full of excitement and anticipation, but with it comes a lot of changes to your body. While some of these changes are obvious, others may not be as noticeable, like the increased risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis. This condition affects up to 75% of pregnant women and can cause puffy, red, and tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. This, in turn, leads to a higher accumulation of plaque and tartar, putting you at risk for cavities and gum disease.
But fear not, there are things you can do to help prevent or reverse pregnancy gingivitis! One of the most effective ways is to increase the frequency of your home care. Regularly stimulating your gums (2-3 times daily) can help increase blood flow and vitality, keeping inflammation and redness to a minimum. The Slate Electric Flosser, with its 12,000 sonic vibrations and patented Gum Sweeps, can help massage the gum tissue while scrubbing away plaque from those hard-to-reach places.
Pair that with an electric toothbrush with soft bristles, and you've got a winning combination. Electric toothbrushes with 30,000-60,000 vibrations stimulate gum tissue and remove plaque much more effectively than manual toothbrushes ever could. And if your gums are sensitive, you can soak the toothbrush head in hot water before brushing.
Don't forget about your tongue either! Using a tongue scraper, like the one on the back of the Slate Flosser, can help remove disease-causing bacteria that live on the surface of your tongue and migrate to your teeth and gums.
Last but not least, a good non-alcoholic mouth rinse can be the cherry on top. A fluoride or hydroxyapatite rinse can be swished for 60 seconds before bed, allowing your teeth to bathe in enamel-repairing goodness while you sleep.
By implementing all of these tools and techniques early in your pregnancy, you can keep your gums healthy and prevent costly cavities. So don't wait, take care of your oral health and enjoy all the joys of pregnancy!