*We’re teaming up with Crest and Oral-B to help educate women on the importance of oral health care during pregnancy.

You’ve heard of the phrase Eating for two, but what about Brushing for Two? One of the biggest secrets in prenatal care is oral health—giving your teeth and gums the proper care that’s unique to pregnancy.

And believe me, there are plenty of things unique to pregnancy: morning sickness, overpowering tiredness, that incredible flutter in your stomach only you can feel, and crazy cravings for things like nachos with the bright orange cheese you normally wouldn’t touch with a broom stick. (True story—with my first baby I craved anything fried, my second was milkshakes, my third was salt and vinegar chips, and my fourth…synthetically cheesed nachos. Yum.)

With all of these changes taking place, few women realize just how important good oral health is during pregnancy—as in preventing pre-term birth and building stronger babies important.

Brushing for Two means a daily oral health routine that includes brushing, rinsing, and flossing with products that have pregnant women in mind.

Brushing for Two

I’ve been around the baby block four times and every single time I was zoned in on growing a healthy baby. This laser-like focus kept me out of hot tubs and had me blocking lunchmeat and unpasteurized cheese like an NFL linebacker.

But one important way to protect my baby was right under my nose the whole time—improving my oral health. Crest and Oral-B have partnered with the March of Dimes to help prevent pre-term birth and to educate expectant moms on the importance oral health has not only on your own health, but your baby’s too.

Join the #BrushingForTwo movement for stronger moms and healthier babies!

Pregnancy and Your Teeth

Pregnancy is like an amusement park for your hormones. Holy cow those things are up and down, causing all sorts of excitement in your body. If you are pregnant, thinking about starting a family, or have recently had a baby, you can pretty much count on changes happening and they start in your mouth.

With my second pregnancy, I didn’t even know I was pregnant, but suddenly noticed my gums were super sensitive and even bled more than usual. Gingivitis is a common pregnancy symptom and up to 70% of pregnant women experience it due to changing hormone levels.

My dentist recommended I use Crest Pro-Health Advanced toothpaste while pregnant to help my gums and protect my teeth against acid erosion (ahh, morning sickness). And the fresh minty clean feeling actually helped calm my nausea.

 Speaking of nausea, a powered toothbrush like the Oral-B Black 7000 totally helps when it comes to morning brushing! It’s the brush I used then and still use now. Other toothbrushes set off my gag reflex, making brushing very hard.  This toothbrush is gentle on your teeth and gums and even tells you when you’re brushing too hard!

Brush, Rinse, Floss

Better health for your baby coincidentally starts with better oral health for mama. Here are three things you should be doing every single day.

1. Brushing. Even when you’re tired. Brushing your teeth is the first step to good oral health. Crest Pro-Health provides the most all-inclusive protection that pregnant women need. Plus it’s smooth, gentle, and has my favorite flavor (which is a big deal when you’re pregnant…believe me!).
2. Rinsing. I know, it’s an easy step to skip, but your gums will thank you for it. Pregnant women’s mouths have can have THREE TIMES more Gingivitis than the average person! Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash reduces Gingivitis, reduces plaque, and kills bad breath (which is also a big deal when you’re pregnant!). Plus it’s alcohol-free and safe for baby!
3. Flossing. Not always a favorite, especially when it hurts or causes bleeding. But Oral-B Glide Floss is so gentle on your gums and honestly gets the plaque hiding out that your toothbrush can’t reach.

Healthy Mama, Healthy Baby

Your baby’s health begins with you. #BrushingForTwo means caring enough about your baby to care for your teeth and gums. Brush, rinse, and floss every day with premium oral health products that are gentle, yet protective. As moms, we all know how it feels to be protective over someone you love very much.

Help ignite the conversation with pregnant moms you know. Join us in the #BrushingForTwo movement for stronger moms and healthier babies.

To learn more, visit the Crest boards on Pinterest and #BrushingForTwo on Instagram to share your store. And for more details about Crest and Oral-B products, visit www.crest.com and www.oralb.com.

Crest and Oral-B sponsored this post. All opinions are my own.

Photography by Melodee Fiske.