PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH | SmileOra Dental Care

PREGNANCY & ORAL HEALTH

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DENTAL EMERGENCY

Pregnancy and Oral Health

How does pregnancy affect my oral health?

It’s a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth, and “one tooth is lost with every pregnancy.” But you may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary change is a surge in hormones-particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone-which is linked to an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth.

How does a build-up of plaque affect me?

If the plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis-red, swollen, tender gums more likely to bleed. So-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree and generally begins to surface in the second trimester. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, a more severe form of gum disease.

Pregnant women are also at risk for developing swollen pregnancy gums, tumors, inflammatory, benign growths that develop when gums become irritated. Typically, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink independently. But if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing, or other oral hygiene procedures, the dentist may decide to remove it.

How can I prevent these problems?

You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gumline. It would help if you brushed with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. You should also floss each day thoroughly. If tooth brushing causes morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water or with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes. Good nutrition-particularly plenty of vitamin C and B12-help keep the oral cavity dental health strong. More frequent cleanings from the dentist will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis. Controlling plaque also will reduce gum irritation and decrease the likelihood of pregnancy tumors.

When should I see my dentist?

If you’re planning to become pregnant or suspect you’re pregnant, you should see a dentist right away. Otherwise, you should schedule a check-up in your first trimester for a cleaning. Your dentist will assess your oral infections and map out a dental plan for the rest of your pregnancy. A visit to the dentist is also recommended in the second trimester for cleaning, monitoring changes, and gauging the effectiveness of your oral hygiene. Depending on the patient, another appointment may be scheduled early in the third trimester, but these appointments should be kept as brief as possible.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

How does pregnancy affect my oral health?

How does a build-up of plaque affect me?

How can I prevent these problems?

When should I see my dentist?

Are there any procedures I should avoid?

Non-emergency procedures can generally be performed throughout pregnancy, but the best time for dental treatment is the fourth through six months. Women with dental emergencies that create severe tooth pain in pregnancy can be treated during any trimester, but your obstetrician should be consulted during emergencies that require anesthesia or when medication is being prescribed. Only X-rays that are needed for emergencies should be taken during pregnancy. Lastly, elective procedures that can be postponed should be delayed until after the baby’s birth.

Did you know that a baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth months of pregnancy? That’s why making smart food choices now can help set your child up to be Mouth Healthy for Life. A sufficient quantity of nutrients—especially vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium, and phosphorous—are needed during your pregnancy to avoid pregnant tooth pain.

To assist you in making healthy eating choices, the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Policy Center have compiled this list of tips to follow during pregnancy:

Eat various healthy foods, such as fruits; vegetables; whole-grain products such as cereals, bread, crackers; and dairy products like milk, cheese, cottage cheese, or unsweetened yogurt.
Eat fewer foods high in sugar, including candy, cookies, cake, and dried fruit, and drink fewer beverages high in sugar, including juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or soft drinks.
For snacks, choose foods low in sugar such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and unsweetened yogurt.
Read food labels so you can choose foods lower in sugar.
If you have trouble with nausea, try eating small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day.
Drink water or milk instead of juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or soft drinks.

Drink water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks. Drink fluoridated water (via a community fluoridated water source) or if you prefer bottled water, drink water that contains fluoride.
To reduce the risk of birth defects and losing teeth during pregnancy get 600 micrograms of folic acid each day throughout your pregnancy. Take a dietary supplement of folic acid and eat foods high in folate and foods fortified with folic acids, including:

- Asparagus, broccoli, and leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach
- Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
- Papaya, tomato juice, oranges or orange juice, strawberries, cantaloupe, and bananas
- Grain products fortified with folic acid (bread, cereals, cornmeal, flour, pasta, white rice.)

Are there any procedures I should avoid?

To assist you in making healthy eating choices, the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Policy Center have compiled this list of tips to follow during pregnancy:

Eat various healthy foods, such as fruits; vegetables; whole-grain products such as cereals, bread, crackers; and dairy products like milk, cheese, cottage cheese, or unsweetened yogurt.
Eat fewer foods high in sugar, including candy, cookies, cake, and dried fruit, and drink fewer beverages high in sugar, including juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or soft drinks.
For snacks, choose foods low in sugar such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and unsweetened yogurt.
Read food labels so you can choose foods lower in sugar.
If you have trouble with nausea, try eating small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day.
Drink water or milk instead of juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or soft drinks.

Drink water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks. Drink fluoridated water (via a community fluoridated water source) or if you prefer bottled water, drink water that contains fluoride.
To reduce the risk of birth defects and losing teeth during pregnancy get 600 micrograms of folic acid each day throughout your pregnancy. Take a dietary supplement of folic acid and eat foods high in folate and foods fortified with folic acids, including:

- Asparagus, broccoli, and leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach
- Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
- Papaya, tomato juice, oranges or orange juice, strawberries, cantaloupe, and bananas
- Grain products fortified with folic acid (bread, cereals, cornmeal, flour, pasta, white rice.)

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