Hale and hearty pregnancy is an oxymoron. Although it is one of life’s best phases, sailing through it is not a smooth ride. The whole body undergoes a transformation along with a massive influx of hormones, which brings a lot of vulnerabilities, so you have to start taking extra care of yourself once you plan pregnancy.
There are hormonal shifts before, during and after pregnancy, which need to be handled with specific care as per the requirements.
The most common pregnancy-related hormonal shifts increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems, which can also affect the health and development of the baby.
So, here we bring important tips which will help you take good care of your smiles before, during and even after pregnancy.
Is there a need for dental care before you get pregnant?
As you are getting ready to bring new life to this world, don’t ignore even the most minor holistic well-being aspect. Remember, a well begun is always half done.
There are so many unavoidable fluctuations that your body will undergo throughout your pregnancy cycle. Some are constant and some variable. So, we strongly recommend booking an appointment with your dentist and getting your routine check-up done.
- Get overall oral health examination done
- Get your teeth cleaned professionally
- Get your gum tissues checked properly
- Learn oral hygiene practices from your dentist
- Get a soft toothbrush and fluoride paste
Precaution is undoubtedly better than the cure. Try to get a dental appointment before getting pregnant so that in case of any dental ailment, you get the treatment in advance of your pregnancy.
This also reduces the chances of going through the painful procedure and uncomfortable moments on the dentist’s chair during pregnancy. And eventually will save you from unwanted X-rays, pain medication, and local anesthesia throughout pregnancy.
Also, research shows some premature births are triggered by periodontal disease. There is a possible connection between periodontal disease, premature birth, and low birth weight.
What are the important tips for dental care whilst you are pregnant?
There are certain causes that add to the risk of dental or oral diseases during pregnancy. These include changes in hormones & energy levels, eating & sleeping patterns, and others.
The increased levels of certain hormones, like progesterone and estrogen, increase the risk for certain oral health problems.
Eating habits change drastically during pregnancy. Too much sweet cravings cause tooth decay, whereas acidic food can cause harm to the tooth enamel.
Due to low energy levels and feeling tired, you may brush and floss your teeth less than you did before you got pregnant. This increases the chances of bacterial growth in the mouth, which could be passed to your baby during pregnancy and after birth.
Most women suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy. When you vomit often, your teeth get exposed to too much stomach acid, which is harmful to teeth.
What are the common dental problems during pregnancy?
Cavities: Due to deficiency of calcium and other multivitamins during pregnancy, tooth decay or damage can happen. Permanently damaged areas in teeth can develop small holes where food particles may get stuck, resulting in bacterial growth.
What to do?
Choose a balanced diet, eat healthy foods and limit sugar intake. Add more fruits and vegetables, along with milk, juices, and dairy products. Calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D are essential nutrients for the baby’s healthy teeth, which starts developing between 3 and 6 months of pregnancy.
Drink lots of water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks. Try to eat small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day to avoid nausea. And after vomiting, rinse the mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water to prevent tooth decay or harm.
Gingivitis: This is gum inflammation, which causes redness, swelling, and tenderness in the gums. More than 50% of women develop this during pregnancy, and if it’s not treated well, it may lead to severe gum disease.
Periodontitis: This is a serious infection in the gums and bones that support your teeth. It has to be treated immediately. In extreme cases, the tooth has to be extracted.
What to do?
Pay close attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. Never miss your dental appointments. And tell your dentist if you are pregnant so that he/she can give you immediate treatment and also reduce further damage. All elective dental procedures could be postponed as well.
Pregnancy Tumours: It is also known as pyogenic granuloma. They are red, raw-looking overgrowths of tissue on the gums between the teeth and tend to bleed easily. The plaque buildup and aggregated hormones cause gum tissues to inflame or swell. In most cases, after childbirth, once hormone levels are back to normal, they disappear on their own.
What to do?
Just maintain good dental hygiene practises like brushing and flossing, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash. A professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus and healthy dental habits will help reduce inflammation.
Wobbly Teeth: Yes, it’s true! High levels of hormones can temporarily loosen the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place.
What to do?
Do not panic if you are experiencing loose teeth during pregnancy. Just don’t do harsh brushing of your gums. It will be fine within a few weeks after delivery.
What are the tips for keeping teeth and gums healthy after pregnancy?
Whilst you are relieved after childbirth, you shouldn’t go easy on your dental care. Just like you will visit your gynecologist for post-pregnancy check-ups, visiting your dentist should also be your priority.
The dentist may check and advise any changes to be made, based on the diagnosis. However, you may still follow the good old practices to avoid many common dental problems.
- Brush twice a day and do not skip brushing before going to bed.
- Replace toothbrush regularly – generally, the dentist recommends replacing it every 2-3 months.
- Do not share your toothbrush with anyone or vice-versa.
- Use mouthwash after snacking to limit bacterial growth.
- Avoid testing the temperature of your child’s milk bottle with your mouth or a sharing spoon to avoid bacterial transmission.
For more information or to book a consultation, please get in touch with your nearest Perfect Smile practice.
