What impact does pregnancy have on your dental health?
Dental health refers to the condition of your mouth, teeth, and gums. It is essential to your overall health. It’s also an important part of prenatal care if you’re pregnant.
The changes in your body that occur during pregnancy can have an impact on your teeth and gums.
For example, during pregnancy, you have higher levels of certain hormones in your body, such as progesterone and estrogen. These can increase your chances of developing certain oral health issues.
Your eating habits might shift. Certain foods may be consumed in greater quantities during pregnancy than before. The foods you eat can have an impact on your oral health.
You may brush and floss your teeth less frequently than you did before becoming pregnant. This could be due to sore gums or being more tired than usual. Brushing and flossing may cause nausea in some women.
These changes can increase your chances of developing certain dental problems during pregnancy, such as:
Tooth Decay:
Cavities are more likely when you are pregnant. Women who have a lot of cavity-causing bacteria in their mouth during pregnancy and even after delivery may transmit these bacteria to their baby’s mouth. This can lead to issues with your baby’s teeth later in life.
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to more severe gum disease. Gingivitis can also be exacerbated by pregnancy hormones. Gingivitis affects 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women.
Periodontitis (gum disease)
Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontal disease. This causes severe gum infections as well as issues with the bones that support the teeth. Your teeth may become loose and require extraction. Periodontitis can result in bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream). This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Tooth Erosion:
If you have morning sickness and vomit, your teeth may be exposed to too much stomach acid. This acid can damage your teeth’s outer surface (enamel). Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that occur during pregnancy, most commonly in the first few months.
Pregnancy Tumors:
These are not cancerous tumors. They are lumps that develop on the gums, usually between the teeth. Pregnancy tumors have a red and raw appearance and bleed easily. They can be caused by an excess of plaque (a sticky film containing bacteria that forms on teeth). After giving birth, these tumors usually disappear on their own. In rare cases, your healthcare provider may need to remove them.
How are dental issues addressed during pregnancy?
- If you have a dental problem that requires treatment, you must inform your dentist that you are pregnant. Depending on your condition, you may be able to delay the treatment until after your baby is born.
- Safe pregnancy treatments, such as pain relievers and antibiotics, are examples of safe pregnancy treatments.
- During pregnancy, your dentist can prescribe medication that is safe for both you and your baby. Inform your prenatal care provider if your dentist prescribes medication. Do not take any medication without first consulting with your prenatal provider.
- Anesthesia is administered locally if required. Anesthesia is a type of medicine that reduces or eliminates pain. Local anesthesia is used to numb a specific part of the body, such as the mouth, for a dental filling or extraction.
- You can have dental work done at any time while pregnant. If it’s an elective treatment (treatment that you don’t need right away and isn’t required to protect your or your baby’s health), try to schedule it during the second trimester.
What can you do to avoid dental problems?
Here are some tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy:
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a day. Brush your teeth with a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Even during pregnancy, see your dentist for a regular dental checkup every 6 months (twice a year). Inform your dentist about your pregnancy during your checkup.
Eat healthy foods, limit your intake of sweets and sugary foods, and replace sugary drinks with water. Your baby’s teeth begin to form between 3 and 6 months of pregnancy. Calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D all contribute to your baby’s healthy growth of teeth.
