Introduction
The period of pregnancy brings significant changes, not only in daily life but also in the body of the future mother. The intense feelings of excitement, anticipation, and concern for her own health and the health of the baby often lead pregnant women to seek better healthcare. During this sensitive time, regular check-ups are conducted to monitor the health of the mother and the progress of the baby, while dental visits and treatments are often neglected and postponed for months after childbirth.
For the mother’s body to be a safe home for her child, careful attention must be given to all its aspects. In today’s blog, we will talk about dental care for pregnant women and the importance of oral health during pregnancy.
Pregnant woman at the dentist
As dentists, we often hear from our patients that pregnancy ruined their teeth. While many pregnant women and new mothers experience a sudden deterioration of oral health during pregnancy, it’s important to know that pregnancy, as a physiological condition, does not cause tooth decay or loss.
One theory that was once used to explain tooth decay during pregnancy was the idea that calcium is drawn from the mother’s teeth to help build the baby’s skeletal system. However, scientific studies have shown that tooth loss during pregnancy does not primarily result from fetal development. Although pregnancy itself does not lead to tooth loss, hormonal changes and shifts in lifestyle and habits during pregnancy can contribute to the deterioration of the mother’s oral health. The combined effects of bodily changes and changes in daily habits result in an increased accumulation of plaque on teeth.
Therefore, it’s essential to ensure adequate education and motivation for expectant mothers on the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist as part of prenatal care.
Impact of pregnancy on oral health
Oral health problems during pregnancy occur as a result of:
- Hormonal changes in the body and their effect on the gums
- Pregnancy-related nausea and frequent vomiting
- Increased food intake and more meals throughout the day
- Postponing dental check-ups until the end of the pregnancy
Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy lead to changes in the gums, most commonly manifested as gingivitis, or gum inflammation, worsening and progression of undiagnosed or untreated periodontal disease, and pyogenic granuloma – a benign tumor that appears on the gums. Pregnancy epulis usually does not require treatment unless it causes discomfort, in which case it can be removed surgically. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is characterized by swollen and sensitive gums, which bleed upon touch, most often during tooth brushing or using dental floss. Periodontal disease, if previously undiagnosed or untreated, tends to worsen during pregnancy. Pregnancy can exacerbate this chronic gum infection which develops from uncontrolled gingivitis, and can eventually lead to tooth loss.
One of the factors that significantly contributes to the worsening of oral health in pregnant women is frequent vomiting caused by nausea, especially during the first trimester. Stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus and the oral cavity, exposing the tooth enamel to stomach acid. Repeated contact with stomach acid dissolves the mineral content of the enamel, reducing the teeth’s resistance to cavities and leading to the development of “tooth decay.” Additional mineral loss occurs when teeth are brushed immediately after vomiting to remove the unpleasant taste from the mouth. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to rinse their mouths with water and avoid brushing their teeth at least an hour after vomiting.
In addition to hormonal factors that occur in the woman’s body during pregnancy, significant changes in lifestyle and dietary habits also contribute to the deterioration of oral health. The mother’s body needs greater intake of nutrients during this period to ensure proper fetal growth and development. The increased quantity and frequency of meals result in prolonged exposure of teeth to sugars, consequently increasing the risk of cavities. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the frequency of individual meals and the consumption of sugary foods. In accordance with new eating habits, it is necessary to pay greater attention to oral health by properly maintaining oral hygiene.
Why is it important to visit the dentist during pregnancy?
In an ideal scenario, a visit to the dentist should take place at the beginning of the pregnancy, so the dentist can guide the mother on how to care of her oral health during this period. If the oral health is poor, it can pose risks to both the mother and the baby.
Cavities-affected teeth with high amounts of streptococcal bacteria are associated with premature birth and low birth weight of the newborn, as well as faster transmission of these bacteria from the mother’s mouth to the baby’s oral cavity. These children are expected to develop cavities at an early age.
Periodontal diseases in pregnant women not only cause discomfort and pain during pregnancy but are also linked to premature birth and negative effects on the growth of the fetus. If oral health and treatment for diseases are neglected during pregnancy, it can lead to life-threatening risks for both the mother and the baby in the womb.
Our recommendations for this exciting time in your life…
- Visit your dentist regularly, every 3 to 6 months during pregnancy
- Maintain proper oral hygiene as instructed by your dentist, and do not avoid fluoride toothpaste
- After morning vomiting, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth 30 to 60 minutes afterward
- Don’t endure tooth pain during pregnancy
- If you have a dental issue, consult your dentist for an advice
At Nova Dental Clinic, we prioritize the health of your teeth, as well as their appearance. We want to help you to look back on period of your pregnancy without seeing it as a time when you lost your teeth. We want you to enjoy the post-pregnancy period without having to hide your smile, and creating beautiful memories with your baby. Therefore, if you need any help or advice, schedule your appointment and experience the caring approach we offer!
