Pregnancy and Oral Health
As a woman you have special needs at different points of your life. Your oral health is no exception, and can be affeected by hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. While good oral health, which includes care of the teeth, gums and mouth, is important in any stage of your life, it is very important during pregnancy.
What are some common dental problems during pregnancy?
pregnant women are at higher risk for developing tooth decay. They are also particularly vulnerable to gum disease (gingivitis) and a chronic bacterial disease that affects the gums, attachment fibers and bone supporting the teeth (periodontal disease or periodontitis).
These risks increase in women who smoke, experience nutritional deficiencies, or have less frequent visits to the dentist. G is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and is reversible with professional treatment and good oral care.Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
How does pregnancy affect teeth and gums?
Pregnant women and those who take some oral contraceptives experience high levels of the hormone progesterone. Elevated levels of this harmone increase gum sensitivity to the bacteria found in plaque and may cause gingivitis (red, puffy or tender gums that easily bleed when brushing).
Increased need and desire for food and snacking, especially on sticky foods that stay on teeth longer, may cause tooth decay.
Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting) during pregnancy can also increase the incidence of dental health problems. Frequent vomiting can leave stomach acids in the mouth. If this acid is not cleared away quickly, it can damage surfaces of teeth and cause tooth decay.
Pregnant women sometimes get very busy and may run out of time and energy to care for themselves and their dental health.
In addition, pregnant women may not experience symptoms until they reach advanced disease stages.
Could gum disease affect your baby's health?
Anything that damages a mother's health can also affect her baby. Emerging evidence and new research have shown a relationship between preterm, low birth weight babies and gingivitis. Te excessive bacteria which cause gingivitis can enter the bloodstream through the gums and travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called "prostaglandins", which are suspected to induce premature labor.
How do I know that I have gum disease?
As many as 70% of women have some form of gum disease during pregnancy, so watch ot for these warning signs.
Your gums are tender, swollen, or red
Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
You can't get rid of bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
If you think yo might have gum disease, visit your dentist or hygienist right away for a professional cleaning and exam: if caught early enough, gum disease can usually be reversed or controlled.
Are X-rays safe?
As soon as you believe that you are pregnant, tell your dentist because it may not be safe to have x-rays during pregnancy. You should also let your dentist know if you are trying to get pregnant: knowing this can help in planing x-rays or other treatments. Tell your dentist what medicines you are taking and if your physician has given you any specific medical advice, as it may affect the treatment given.
If you are pregnant, you can postpone dental x-rays until after your baby is born. If your dentist recommends dental x-rays, the dental office will provide a leaded apron to shield you and your baby from the low dose of radiation used.
Ways of keeping your teeth healthy:
Practice good dental hygiene. To help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, keep your mouth clean, brush your teeth thoroughly
and remove plaque. Clean between teeth daily with floss or inter dental cleaners.
Visit the dentist regularly. Regular dental cleaning and check-ups before, during and after your pregnancy are important. Let your dentist know that you are pregnant.
Eat healthy, nutritious food. Your baby's teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy.
Eating a balanced diet (based on new dietary guidelines) is not only necessary fir your health, but what you eat during pregnancy also affects the development of your unborn child---including teeth. Avoid foods that are sticky or contain a lot of sugar. These foods can cause tooth decay.
As a mother-to-be, what you do to take care of your health (including your diet) affects the development of your baby's teeth and gums. As your body goes through a process of change, it is also important to pay particular attention to your own oral hygiene. Maintaining a good daily oral hygiene routine can help keep potential problems from developing.
Don't forget that this is a time in your life to enjoy the natural changes that take place in your body--so radiate health and vitality by keeping your smile bright!