Pregnancy is a beautiful, wild ride. Sure, they tell you about the cravings and mood changes, but where was the primer on lesser-known things like bleeding gums?
Yep, being pregnant can increase your risk of oral health issues. But tbh, oral hygiene is something most of us could be paying more attention to. In fact, hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can make our gums more vulnerable.
Yet, it’s not commonly talked about, leaving many pregnant women to find this out via word of mouth (sorry, had to).
According to the CDC, somewhere between 60% to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, aka gum inflammation. This can cause gums to recede, and may even turn into a more serious gum disease that poses health risks for both mom and baby.
This is all to say, oral hygiene is always important, and even more so when you’re pregnant.
We tapped Leona West Fox CN, CH, FMCHC, functional medicine nutrition and wellness specialist, for her tips on how to support gum health during pregnancy. And, ofc, even those of us who aren’t pregnant can benefit from them as well.
1. Supplement with calcium.
Leona recommends AlgaeCal Basic. “This is an excellent and bioavailable, plant-sourced calcium formula,” she explains. She recommends taking two daily while pregnant and then three daily post-partum.
Another tip: Take it at least two hours before or after any iron supplements—she recommends taking iron supplements with breakfast, and then calcium with lunch or dinner.
“The most important nutrient to prevent gum recession is Vitamin C, through both diet and supplements,” Leona says. “Vitamin C has the power to prevent and even reverse damage by healing and repairing gum tissues. When pregnant, don’t take more than 100mg to 300mg per day in supplement form. Post-pregnancy, you can take up to 1,000mg to 2,000mg daily.”
She recommends choosing a liposomal, food-based, or whole-food Vitamin C like these:
Liposomal Vitamin C
Price: $36
Dr. Mercola
Leona says to only take liposomal vitamin C postpartum.
Complex Support Vitamin C
Price: $30
MegaFood
She says this food-based vitamin C can be taken both during pregnancy and postpartum.
Radiance Capsules
Price: $24
Pure Synergy
As can this whole-food vitamin C.
3. Add these to your grocery list.
We love healing through food. Leona tells us that the best foods to help with gum recession are:
- Salmon
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Spinach and all leafy greens
- Lentils
- Mushrooms
- Papaya
- Quality poultry and beef
4. Brush up on your oral care.
She recommends Periobrite toothpaste and mouthwash, as they are great for overall periodontal health. “Other helpful steps beyond brushing with a soft brush and flossing are oil pulling and using a Waterpik,” she adds.
5. Don’t forget these nutrients.
“These supplements can support the prevention of further gum recession,” Leona says.
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K2 (as MK7)
- CoQ10
- B Complex
- Omega 3
- Collagen
“Make sure you are always taking your vitamin D with vitamin K2, preferably as MK7,” she notes. If you’re taking a prenatal vitamin, check to see what’s in there first. It may already contain vitamin K, so you wouldn’t need to add it via another supplement. Many of them already include vitamin D.
And remember: Always consult with your health care provider before starting any supplements.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the interviewee only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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