Dental Care During Pregnancy

If you are thinking of having a baby or if you are currently pregnant, it is important for you to be in excellent health, physically, mentally and emotionally. It is important that special attention be paid to dental health and oral hygiene. If a proper oral health care regime is not practiced it could have a bad impact on the mother-to-be and the unborn child.

During pregnancy your body is going through many changes. Hormone levels change and this in turn makes your teeth and gums more vulnerable due to the build up of bacteria in the mouth. Other infections of the body, other than the mouth, may occur as a result of the bacteria. Good dental hygiene and care is of great importance for both the baby and the mother.

How will this affect my baby?

A recent study published in the Journal of Clincial Microbiology found that previously undiscovered bacterial usually found in the mouth could be responsible for up to 80 percent of early preterm labors. According to one author, “the earlier the woman goes into preterm labor, the higher the chance that she will be infected.” A preterm birth, which is a birth before 37 weeks causes babies to face many hurdles including vision and hearing loss, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, even death. The oral-systemic connection between the mouth and the rest of the body is becoming more and more important in preventing premature labor.

What conditions may develop that will affect my Oral Health during Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of change, physically, mentally and emotionally. and your body undergoes many changes including your oral health. Many adverse changes if detected early, can be easily treated and good oral health can be maintained during the length of your pregnancy.. Some oral conditions of concerns are:

Pregnancy Gingivitis

It is very common for an expectant mother to develop pregnancy gingivitis. It is caused by an over-active response to bacteria and plaque by your body due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy Gingivitis can be easily managed if diagnosed and treated in it’s early stages. Failure to control this bacteria can cause it to get into the bloodstream and be carried to the baby.

Symptoms of Pregnancy Gingivitis

If your gums are red, swollen, tender or bleeding or if you develop bad breath you could be in the early stages of the disease. If you see pus along the gums or experience a change in your bite or your teeth become loose then it is most likely you are well into a case of pregnancy gingivitis. If you have these symptoms it is imperative you visit your dentist now to have treatment so that no further damage is done to your teeth and gums. If left untreated pregnancy gingivitis will lead to periodontal disease and much more severe health care issues for both mother and unborn child.

What is Periodontal Disease?

When gingivitis is not detected and treated it develops into a more severe disease and much more difficult to treat than gingivitis.

How do I know I have Periodontal Disease?

One of the issues associated with periodontal disease is that it can be asymptomatic. That means the mother may have no symptoms at all but does have the disease. There will be many of the symptoms of gingivitis plus loss of bone around your teeth. A classic signs of periodontal disease is the “rotten egg” smell of “perio breath” caused by volatile sulfur compounds. These compounds allow the bacteria to penetrate the gum tissue easier and enter the blood stream. Periodontal disease in pregnant women can exposed them to premature labor and low birth weight babies. It is highly recommended that you see your dentist as soon as possible if you have any of these oral symptoms.

Pregnancy Tumors

Hormonal changes in pregnant women with gingivitis or periodontal disease are more vulnerable to pregnancy tumors. Tumors develop in the mouth, usually on the outside of the gums and become very painful and make eating, chewing and talking uncomfortable. The tumors can be removed during pregnancy without any problem. You want to ensure you are able to eat properly for your overall health as well as your baby’s.

Planning Your Dental visits while Pregnant

Continue visiting your dentist on a regular basis for routine check-ups and cleaning. If you have not been to the dentist, schedule an appointment during the 2nd trimester of your pregnancy (between 3rd and 6th month) Most dental care can be provided during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters without concern for the baby. The effects of most medications on pregnant women have not been tested so be sure to clear prescriptions with your obstetrician...

Daily Oral Care Tips for Expecting Mothers:

• Brush twice daily and floss once per day. This will stop the build up of bacteria in the mouth. If you encounter morning sickness and the strong taste of the toothpaste makes it difficult to brush try brushing with warm water and then rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. You can also neutralize the acid by rinsing with a solution of baking soda.
• Maintain a healthy diet that includes calcium, B12 and vitamin C, these minerals and vitamins for strong teeth and gums. Folic Acid is also recommend for the early development of the fetus. Check for a good pre-natal strength vitamin.
• General health and your oral health are directly related. Any problem in your mouth will impact your body’s overall health which is why it is so important that you maintain a high level of oral care and general health care during your pregnancy. Healthy mothers give birth to healthy baby’s.
• It is a myth that the baby will take calcium out of your teeth. Most of the time, tooth damage during pregnancy is due to bad oral hygiene (which was bad before pregnancy), extended or prolonged morning sickness, food fetishes and decayed teeth that were not treated before you were pregnant.

Please make sure your call our office to schedule a visit to ensure good oral health care throughout your pregnancy. Prevention of problems is easier and less expensive than crisis care after you are is serious trouble.