Pregnancy And Oral Health

Pregnancy and oral health are interlinked to each other, as pregnancy causes hormonal changes and increased demands on the body that can affect both your maternal and fetal.

Pregnant women are susceptible to wide range of oral problems that could be harmful to their health and the baby. Hormonal changes can cause various oral health problems like gingivitis, periodontitis, and even tooth decay.

If you forget dental care while pregnant, then you must read this blog to know pregnancy dental care and what safety erasure you can take to prevent oral problems.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Oral Health

There are certain hormonal changes that take place in your body during pregnancy and oral health is greatly affected leading to oral infections.

• Changes in hormones during pregnancy (progesterone and estrogen) increase the risk of oral health conditions.

• Your eating habits change as you start to eat certain foods that you may not used to eat before the pregnancy, and the kind of food you eat can affect your overall oral health.

• Brushing and flossing during pregnancy can lead to nausea and vomiting (sick feeling in the stomach), and you may brush your teeth less than you used to do before.

• Not maintaining and taking care of your oral hygiene is one of the major and common risk factors for oral health issues.

Risk Of Dental Problems During Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with various oral issues because of an increase in hormones, changes in diets, and eating behaviors.

Here are some of the common oral health conditions reported in women during pregnancy –

• Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Being pregnant makes you more likely to have cavities in your teeth due to binge eating and high intake of sugar containing foods and beverages. Cavities are a small damaged area on the surface of your teeth.

You can pass the bacteria to the baby that causes cavities during pregnancy or after birth, which means your child may have cavities in the future.

• Gingivitis

Hormones can increase your risk of Gingivitis, and 60 – 75% of pregnant women are reported to have Gingivitis. It is an inflammation of the gums, causing symptoms like (swelling and redness).

If it is left untreated, it can worsen over time and can lead to serious gum disease.

• Teeth Loss

High levels of (progesterone and estrogen) hormones during pregnancy can loosen the tissues and bones that help to keep your teeth in place, which can cause tooth loss.

• Teeth Erosion

If you have morning sickness (vomiting), your teeths are exposed to stomach acid which can harm your tooth enamel (the hard surface) of your teeth, leading to tooth erosion.

Symptoms Of Dental Problems During Pregnancy

Oral health affects your overall health, and oral health problems can happen before, during, or even after the pregnancy. It can affect the baby, and the baby’s oral health and general health after birth.

The main signs and symptoms of dental problems during pregnancy involve changes to your teeth and gums, such as –

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Redness
• Shiny gum surface
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Mouth sores or lumps on the gums
• New spaces between your teeth
• Toothache or other pain
• Receding gums or pus along your gum line

While experiencing these signs, make an immediate appointment with a dental professional to cure the oral problems before it gets worse and leads to serious oral issues.

Ways To Prevent Oral Problems During Pregnancy

As you already know, there are severe oral health issues that come during pregnancy and oral health is greatly affected by hormonal changes and changes in your diet and eating habits.

Here are certain pregnancy dental care routines that you can include in your daily basis routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy and risk-free of oral diseases.

• Brush your teeth two times a day with (fluoride-based toothpaste) and floss regularly at least once a day. Use a soft bristles toothbrush. Brushing and flossing regularly removes plaque and helps to keep your teeth and gums clean.

• If you can’t brush your teeth because of vomiting problems in the initial months, use mouthwash or rinse your mouth with a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinsing with water and soda can help reduce the amount of acid in your mouth.

• Visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups every 6 months (twice a year) and even during pregnancy. During your dental checkup, tell your dentist that you’re pregnant.

• Maintain your diet, and include healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, lean meat, whole-grain breads, pasta, and low-fat dairy products.

• Limit sweets and sugary foods and drink plenty of water instead of sugary and acidic drinks.

• Including healthy foods in your diet helps provide you and your growing baby important nutrients. Nutrients rich foods like calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D will help your baby’s teeth to grow healthy.

• If you’re craving things like large amounts of ice, paste, dirt, or smoking, let your prenatal provider know.

How Dental Problems Are Treated During Pregnancy

Depending on your condition, your dentist may suggest you wait for treatment until your child’s birth. Treatments that are safe during pregnancy are –

• Medicines

Your dentist will prescribe you medicines that will be safe for you and your baby like medicines such as pain relievers and antibiotics to treat the oral infections.

• Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is a medicine used to lessen or prevent dental pain. Anesthesia is used in specific parts of the body to numb your mouth for dental fillings.

Several studies have found that pregnant women who have been exposed to mercury fillings have a higher risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia, and low birth weight of the baby.

Key Takeaways

Maintaining a good oral care routine, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and limiting excess sugar intake can help prevent oral health problems during pregnancy.

Plan an appointment with a dentist every 6 months for dental care while pregnant and to determine any early issues that can be easily treated, and take care of your pregnancy and oral health.

Protect Your Smile And Your Little One’s Oral Health

FAQs

1. Can I go to the dentist while I’m pregnant?

Yes, you definitely can and you should! Regular dental visits are totally safe during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. Cleanings, fillings, and even X-rays (with proper shielding) are considered safe for both you and your baby. Just be sure to let your dentist know you’re expecting.

2. Why are my gums bleeding more than usual?

Pregnancy hormones can make your gums extra sensitive, which is why they might be red, swollen, or bleed when you brush. This is called pregnancy gingivitis, and it’s super common most moms-to-be experience it at some point. The key is staying on top of your brushing and flossing to keep it from turning into something more serious.

3. Is it true pregnancy can make you lose teeth?

Not directly, but it can increase your risk. Those same hormones that affect your gums can also loosen the tissues that support your teeth especially if you already have some gum issues going on. The good news? Good oral hygiene and regular checkups help you keep your smile healthy.

4. I’m dealing with morning sickness will it mess up my teeth?

It can, unfortunately. Stomach acid from vomiting can wear down your enamel over time. After getting sick, don’t brush your teeth right away instead, rinse with a mix of water and a little baking soda first. It helps neutralize the acid and protects your enamel.

5. What are those weird bumps on my gums?

Those are called pregnancy tumors (don’t worry they’re not cancerous). They’re just an overgrowth of gum tissue that some people get, usually during the second trimester. They can look kind of like a red raspberry between your teeth. Most go away after you give birth, but if they bother you, your dentist can check them out.

6. Is it okay to get a filling or tooth pulled while I’m pregnant?

Yes, if you need it, go for it especially in the second trimester when you’re likely feeling your best. Local anesthesia used for dental work is considered safe, so don’t put off treatment if something’s bothering you.

7. What’s the best way to take care of my teeth right now?

Here’s a solid routine:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day (yes, every day!).
• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Drink lots of water, especially if it’s fluoridated tap water.
• Go easy on sugary snacks.
• Keep up with your dental checkups.
• Pregnancy is a busy time, but taking care of your teeth really pays off.

8. Can dental problems affect my baby?

They actually can. Gum disease during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Also, if you have untreated cavities, your baby is more likely to deal with dental issues later on. So yep, your oral health matters for your little one, too.

9. When should I tell my dentist I’m pregnant?

Right away! Letting your dentist know helps them adjust your care and timing of any procedures. Plus, they can give you advice specific to each trimester.

10. Are there any products I should avoid while pregnant?

Steer clear of mouthwashes with alcohol. Go for a gentle fluoride rinse instead. And if your gums are more sensitive than usual, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and consider a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Referral Site –

Pregnancy  [ADA] June 22, 2023

Pregnancy Gingivitis  [Cleveland Clinic] July 03, 2022

Dental health during pregnancy  [HMSB]  February 2023