During pregnancy, the thrill of bringing a new life into the world comes alongside the extra responsibility of looking after your baby even before he or she is born. Taking care of yourself becomes more important when you’re expecting, because if you stay healthy it will help give your baby the best start in life.
Dental care is an essential part of prenatal health care. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger or worsen tooth decay and gum disease. So, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist at least once while you’re expecting. This will ensure your teeth and gums stay in good condition. And if your mouth is healthy during pregnancy, your baby’s oral health will be on a sound footing right from the start.
Tooth Decay During Pregnancy
Oral bacteria that cause tooth decay when you’re pregnant can spread into the mouth of the baby. Decay resulting in cavities is a greater risk during pregnancy because changes in the way hormones affect your body include increased amounts of acid in the mouth. This can eat into dental enamel – the outer, protective layer of a tooth – exposing the softer, underlying dentin to the bacterial plaque that causes decay. The risk of cavities is even greater if you have a pregnancy-related craving for sugar.
Hormones aren’t the only reason cavities are likelier in expectant moms. You may develop a pronounced gag reflex during pregnancy, which makes it difficult to clean your back teeth properly without retching. Morning sickness is a further issue. When you throw up, your teeth are exposed to acid traveling into your mouth from the stomach.
Gum Disease During Pregnancy
Moms-to-be face a greater risk of gum disease because of a condition called pregnancy-induced gingivitis, which affects 70 percent of pregnant women. It can develop any time during pregnancy but is particularly common during the third trimester. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease (periodontitis). It’s caused by an accumulation of plaque on and around teeth.
During pregnancy, hormones strengthen your immune system. When your body’s defenses attack a gum infection with greater intensity, there’s more chance of inflammation and bleeding. Some studies have shown a link between gum disease and premature birth, and preterm babies may have more health issues at birth.
Loose Teeth During Pregnancy
High levels of relaxin, estrogen and progesterone hormones when you’re expecting can temporarily relax the bones and soft tissues that anchor teeth in place. This can make your teeth loose. This is far less serious than tooth decay or gum disease during pregnancy, and nothing to worry about if your mouth is healthy. Your teeth will stop wobbling around after you give birth, when your hormone levels return to normal.
Signs of Dental Issues During Pregnancy
Symptoms indicating oral health problems during pregnancy that may need the attention of your Irving dentist include:
- Bad breath.
- Toothache or other dental pain.
- Loose teeth.
- New spaces between your teeth.
- Mouth sores.
- Gum recession – your gums pulling away from your teeth.
- Red, swollen, tender or shiny gums.
- Gums that bleed easily.
- Pus or lumps on the gums.
These symptoms are concerning at any time in your life, and even more so when you’re pregnant. So, it’s imperative you get your dentist to check out any problems. Pain or swelling may be resulting from an infection. Timely treatment is critical to prevent problems for your baby.
Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy
Good dental hygiene is especially important when you’re expecting. Brush at least twice each day for two minutes with a soft, small-headed toothbrush. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen dental enamel. If you’re finding it difficult to brush your back teeth thoroughly because of gagging, rinse them with a fluoride mouthwash. Brush your tongue as well as your teeth. This will not only help keep your breath fresh but also reduce bacteria levels in your mouth. Floss daily to remove bits of food lodged between your teeth.
Pregnancy Diet
Besides frequent brushing and flossing, it’s important to maintain a nutritional, balanced diet during pregnancy. This will help maintain your general health and support the baby’s development. Limit snacks between meals, and try to avoid sugary treats, which increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
The importance of pregnancy dental care is emphasized by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Dental Association. You should tell your dentist you’re pregnant as soon as you know, and make sure you continue your routine of dental exams and cleanings. Further appointments may be advisable during your second trimester and early third trimester to safeguard against gum disease.
X-Rays
If you need an X-ray as part of a checkup, this is safe for both you and your baby, according to the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association. A protective lead apron will be placed over your abdomen to minimize exposure to radiation. Your throat will also be covered with a leaded collar to protect the thyroid.
Procedures
If you have a dental health issue during pregnancy, a procedure such as a filling or a crown will reduce the possibility of infection. It’s recommended that any dental work should be done during the second trimester. During the third trimester, it may be difficult to lie back in the dental chair for any length of time.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort in dental treatments such as fillings, tooth extraction, and root canal therapy. Studies have shown that local anesthetic like lidocaine is safe during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Dental Care at Your Irving Dentist
Irving dentists at Dental Concepts & Orthodontics have a strong focus on preventive dentistry for the all the family. This means we’re well placed to look after your oral health needs during pregnancy, with dental checkups and professional cleanings. Should you develop a dental problem while you’re expecting, we can deal with that too.
