When women are pregnant, their bodies go through complicated changes. Many notice that their gums are sore, puffy, look redder and bleed when they brush their teeth, and they may also be at greater risk for developing tooth decay because they eat more frequently to prevent nausea.

Undeniably, poor habits during pregnancy have been associated with oral problems such as Pregnancy Gingivitis, Pregnancy Granuloma, tooth erosion, and so forth. But with good oral hygiene and professional oral health care, pregnant women’s teeth can stay healthy.

Below are 4 tips that will help you take care of good oral health during pregnancy:

• Limit sugary foods to prevent cavities

 You should limit the very cariogenic sweets and peck off the 5 recommended meals a day. Annoying and common nausea can also cause a change in the pH of your saliva, causing it to become more acidic and affect the enamel of your teeth, making them more vulnerable. It is easy to combat nausea with sweet foods but instead, you are recommended to consuming enough fruits.

• Brush your teeth after every meal

Although it sounds cliché, it is of utmost importance during pregnancy to keep your mouth always clean. It is recommended for you to brush teeth and tongue after each meal for at least 3 minutes.

• Do not use the same brush for more than 3 months

Though the bristles on your toothbrush have yet misshapen or frayed, it accumulates bacteria and is exposed to external agents that can affect your oral health. It is advisable to replace it with a new one every three months especially if you have had a contagious disease, such as cold.

• Drink plenty of water