Oral Health During Your Pregnancy

How Pregnancy Can Affect Your Oral Health

Did you know that pregnancy and oral health are closely related? Your pregnancy journey can be a daunting one, but it is important to keep your oral health in check during your pregnancy.

Dental experts recommend visiting your dentist for a check-up if you are planning to become pregnant or as soon as you find out that you are. Your dentist can then assess your oral health situation and decide how often you need to be seen during your pregnancy. It is important for you to not neglect your teeth and gums during pregnancy.

Emergency dental treatment can be carried at any stage during pregnancy, but routine treatments are most comfortably carried out in the second trimester. Make sure you let your dentist know that you are pregnant before they proceed with treatment.

Dental Care Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Nutrition

It is very important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet during your pregnancy. Your baby’s teeth begin to develop during your second trimester. Make sure you get plenty of nutrients (i.e. – calcium, protein and vitamins A, C and D) from good food and other prenatal vitamins that your doctor may recommend. Dealing with cravings can be difficult too! Consuming an exorbitant amount of sugar affects your overall health and your dental health – whether you are pregnant or not. It can have an impact on your physical health when pregnant as you may be at risk of developing ‘Gestational Diabetes’. This develops during pregnancy and usually eases once your baby is born. If you are diagnosed with this, you will be advised to limit your intake of starchy and sweet foods to help keep your blood sugar levels under control. Frequent snacking with sweet foods can also cause dental cavities during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy, your elevated hormone levels can cause your gums to swell, making it easier for food to get stuck in awkward areas. At this stage, your gums are more susceptible to the presence of plaque biofilm causing an inflammation called pregnancy gingivitis. This usually happens around the second and third trimester of pregnancy and is most common to appear at the front of your mouth. You can control this by brushing away the plaque biofilm carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can use a plaque disclosing agent (dye) to show where the plaque is not being removed properly. Visit your dentist or hygienist for a cleaning to remove any other irritants around your teeth. Your gums should return to normal after your baby is born. The swelling and tendency to bleed is reduced, however, if this does not happen you should return to your dental professional for further advice and treatment if necessary.

Pregnancy Tumours

Don’t let the name alarm you! Pregnancy tumours are benign, occur in about 5% of women and usually tend to appear during the second trimester of your pregnancy. They look like small red bubbles between your teeth, and your dentist can remove them if they are painful or irritable, however, they do tend subside and heal after your baby is born. Poor oral hygiene is most likely a contributory factor to their development.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is very common in many women during pregnancy but varies in intensity. The acid in your tummy can be so strong, it contributes to tooth erosion. If you also suffer from heartburn or acid reflux during pregnancy, the acid may erode your teeth. It is important not to brush your teeth straight away after vomiting, instead rinse your mouth out with water or a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water to reduce acidity and wait at least thirty minutes before brushing and use a toothpaste with at least 1450 parts per million of fluoride.

Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth during pregnancy can put you at risk of oral health problems such as oral infections and tooth decay. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Myths

One big question dental experts are asked is whether or not calcium from your teeth will be lost during pregnancy – this is a MYTH! If you are not taking in enough calcium during pregnancy, your body will start to use the calcium stored in your bones, not from your teeth, to help your baby grow.

Bacterial Transmission

You can reduce your bacterial load and reduce the risk of passing bacteria that cause cavities to your child by visiting your dentist, having necessary treatment and practicing good oral hygiene.

Healthy Habits to remember

• Visit your dentist for a check-up if you are planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out.
• See your dentist at the first sign of trouble (i.e. – swollen gums, bleeding etc…).
• Make your dentist aware of any medical history changes including medications.
• Use a good fluoride toothpaste, with at least 1450 parts per million of fluoride.
• Eat a good, healthy, balanced diet and try to stay away from sugary treats and drinks.
• Brush twice daily and try to floss once a day.
• If your gums are bleeding more than usual, use a plaque disclosing agent (dye) to see where you are not removing plaque biofilm properly.
• Do not smoke or use any tobacco products.

Dental Insurance from the Dental Experts

All of our plans are based on our Healthy Smiles approach, which promotes regular and sustained preventive care by providing 100% cover for examinations, cleanings, and x-rays.

You can then choose to upgrade your cover to Level 2, 3, 4 which provides 70% cover for treatment of fillings, crowns and gum disease, subject to terms and conditions. 

To find out more, call 094 937 8608 or visit www.decare.ie