Pregnancy and dental health
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Dental infection is a very preventable cause of severe prematurity. Make sure that you and your family have at least annual dental check-ups. It is also important to brush your teeth correctly.
How to brush your teeth
- Flossing is almost the most important part of looking after your teeth
- You should brush your teeth twice a day
- You should brush your teeth for 2 minutes
- Never brush your teeth immediately after a meal especially when food contains acid. Brushing your teeth when the enamel is soften by acid damages the enamel.
- Wait at least an hour after a meal and drink a glass of water to wash away the acid
- So the best way to do it is to brush your teeth just before going to bed and before you have breakfast
- Make sure you also brush your tongue
- You should rather drink tap water than bottled water – tap water contains fluoride that strengths the enamel of your teeth
- Smoking is bad for dental health as well!
- And so is sugar – avoid fizzy drinks and sweets
- Chew on sugar free gum in between meals
Ways to prevent and limit infection
- Wash your hands with soap and running water, especially when you have a cold or prior to preparing a meal
- Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing and through it away afterwards
- Don’t share utensils like cups, glasses and cutlery
- Stay at home when you feel unwell and keep sick kids at home when you attend a medical visit
- Vaccinations is a proven way to limit infections, so make suer you have a flu vaccine at the start of winter and also that your whooping cough vaccination is up to date.
