Did you know that your pregnancy actually opens you up to the possibility of a variety of dental health issues? With the hormonal changes that you go through because of your condition, you’re more susceptible to periodontal disease. One such dental problem that pregnant women can suffer from is gingivitis.
According to the Center for Chronic Disease (CDC), around 60 to 75% of expectant women suffer from gingivitis. This is considered early onset periodontal disease, which is characterized by swollen and red gums due to inflammation. When left untreated, the supporting bone holding your teeth in place may deteriorate severely and may even cause you to lose the teeth attached to it.
For pregnant women, one unfortunate thing about periodontitis is that it’s associated with low birth weight. It can also bring about preterm birth and other conditions that you wouldn’t want to experience as an expectant mom.
Although it’s not clear how and why periodontitis links to adverse pregnancy outcomes, what’s apparent is that pregnant women need to take good care of their dental health. This is the only way to secure their child’s physical health, and in the long run, their dental health too.
What Is Dental Health and How Does It Affect Pregnancy?
Dental or oral health refers to the state of your gums, teeth, and mouth. All these impact your overall health, which is why, when you’re pregnant, your oral health has an effect on your pregnancy. Dental health is also an essential aspect of your prenatal care.
Pregnancy makes you more susceptible to oral health problems because of the increase in estrogen and progesterone in your system. Some studies link gum disease to premature birth and others suggest that women with gum problems can go into labor earlier than expectant moms with good dental health. This is why pregnant women should pay extra attention to their teeth and gums.
After birth and while growing up, premature babies tend to experience more health problems than babies born full-term. Since gum and dental issues can bring about early labor and premature birth, it’s reasonable to say that moms need to take better care of their teeth and gums when pregnant. This is to prevent early labor and to keep their kids from experiencing such health issues.
Visit a reputable doctor of dental surgery from Hamilton orthodontics today and find out how you can protect your teeth and gums when you’re expecting. Aside from healthy eating practices, good oral health should also be a priority when you’re pregnant.
Effects of Pregnancy to Your Dental Health
Hormonal changes during pregnancy make you more susceptible to specific dental health problems. Apart from this, your eating habits may also change as your baby grows inside you. This can mean that you’re more likely to ingest food you don’t usually eat and this too can affect your dental health.
There’s also a possibility that you’ll floss and brush less when you’re pregnant and this is entirely normal. This is because, when you’re pregnant, you’re likely to feel more tired and your gums can feel more sensitive and tender. Some pregnant women also feel nauseated when flossing and brushing, so they tend to forgo these things when that happens.
Any of these reasons can increase your risk for the following dental conditions:
Cavities or Tooth Decay
Cavities are also called caries and tooth decay. These are damaged areas on your teeth’s surface. Since you’re more prone to cavities when you’re pregnant, you can pass these cavity-causing bacteria to your baby after you give birth to them. You can pass on cavity-causing bacteria to your baby when you kiss them and when you blow on their food.
Gingivitis
This is the swelling and redness of the gums. If left untreated, this can cause more severe gum problems. A pregnant woman’s hormones can exacerbate her risk for gingivitis. Studies reveal that 60 to 75% of expectant mothers have gingivitis. Here are the symptoms of this condition.
- Swelling and redness
- Gum tenderness
- Gum bleeding even when you gently brush your teeth
- Shiny gums
Loose teeth
Because of the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, you may experience the loosening of bones and tissues that keep teeth in their proper place. This can make you lose your teeth.
Periodontal disease
As mentioned earlier, pregnant women are prone to periodontitis. This is a gum disease that can lead to full-blown periodontal disease if left untreated. It would be best if you remedied this condition as soon as possible to keep your teeth in place and to prevent premature extraction. Untreated periodontitis can also cause the bacteria in your mouth to be carried in your bloodstream. This can lead to a condition known as bacteremia.
Pregnancy tumors
This is another term for pyogenic granuloma, and they’re non-cancerous lumps forming on your gums, usually found in between your teeth. They often look raw and reddish, which explains why they bleed easily. This is caused by too much plaque sticking to your teeth. These growths usually go away on their own after the child is born. In rare instances, however, if you’re not comfortable having these in your mouth, a health care provider can remove them.
Tooth erosion
Vomiting due to morning sickness can expose your teeth to excessive stomach acid that can harm tooth enamel. Since you usually don’t have control over morning sickness, rinsing your mouth out with water or brushing your teeth after vomiting can help prevent tooth enamel erosion.
How a Mother’s Oral Health Can Be Traced to the Baby’s Health
Believe it or not, a mother’s dental health is linked to her unborn child. If an expectant mother suffers an excessive growth of mouth bacteria while pregnant, these can flow into her bloodstream through the gums. From there, it can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of labor-inducing chemicals known as prostaglandins. This chemical is the driving force behind premature labor.
When the mother gives birth to her newborn child, she can also transmit the bacteria through her cervix. Also, when she has too much bacteria in her mouth, she could likely pass the bacteria to her baby via kissing.
Whether it’s tooth decay, pregnancy tumors, or a large lump in your mouth, there’s a way to prevent these dental problems. The first thing to do is brush and floss your teeth properly. Try to think that you’re brushing for two so you will be diligent with this task. Keeping your dental health on top of your list of priorities can help save you and your baby’s life.
Pro TipVisiting your dentist will allow them to assess your current oral health and map out a dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy. |
How to Improve Dental Health to Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy Complications
Here are oral hygiene tips to incorporate into your routine dental care.
- Brush your teeth with fluoride: One of the best tips for oral hygiene improvement is brushing your teeth thoroughly, at least twice a day, with toothpaste that has fluoride. Fluoride can remineralize and rebuild your weakened enamel, reverse signs of tooth decay, and keep harmful mouth bacteria at bay.
- Flossing: Make it a habit to floss before brushing your teeth. This can remove debris in between your teeth, remove plaque, lower the risk of cavities, help prevent gum disease, and avoid halitosis.
- Good nutrition: If you eat well, you get healthy teeth & gums. Make sure to eat a varied selection of nutrient-rich food regularly to maintain good oral health.
- Include calcium in your diet: Calcium can strengthen your tooth enamel, so make it a part of your daily nutritional needs. It can also prevent cavities and tooth corrosion. You can get calcium via natural sources or with the help of a supplement.
- Limit intake of acidic and sugary food: Acid can cause teeth corrosion. Too much sugar intake can also lead to gestational diabetes. Both conditions are bad for your dental and overall physical health.
Schedule Your Appointment at Dentistry on 7th Today
Don’t take your dental health for granted, especially when you’re expecting. Your unborn child can’t protect itself, so you need to take good care of your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene for both of you.
Know the common causes of dental health problems, make the necessary changes in your dental routine, and visit your dentist regularly. These simple changes can help reduce possible health risks to your unborn child.
For guidance, consultation, and dental work, get in touch with a professional Hamilton dentist at Dentistry on 7th. They’ve been helping expectant mothers like you with their dental health, both for the benefit of you and your unborn child. Their team of dental professionals are experts in this field, so you’re guaranteed to get the best care.
Call them today and start your journey towards improved dental health during pregnancy.
Looking for a perfect smile and improved dental health? Dentistry on 7th is here to help. Contact us today and book your appointment.
FAQs on the Importance of Dental Health During Pregnancy
1. How often should I brush my teeth while pregnant?
It’s enough to brush your teeth at least twice a day when you’re pregnant. Use a dentist-approved toothpaste with fluoride when you brush. Also, don’t forget to floss before brushing to remove plaque and any food debris stuck in between your teeth.
2. Can dental problems cause miscarriages?
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an oral infection can cause the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. These are known risk factors of miscarriage.
3. When to seek emergency dental care during pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant and you figured in an accident that dislodged your tooth, get emergency dental care right away. If left untreated, bacteria could infect the affected area, which can then move to other parts of your body.